This article reflects on the inequity of secondary modern school education. In doing so it draws heavily on the experience of the author while highlighting inputs from others who failed the 11+ examination and were banished to such schools. The article argues that selection undermines the self-esteem of secondary modern school pupils and places them at a life-long disadvantage relative to successful candidates of selection. He discusses some of his experiences in greater detail in his 2002 autobiography "Foreday Morning". (Contains 3 notes.)