May: We’ve not given up on grammars

PM backs expansion of selective schools for first time since election

THERESA May has vowed for the first time since the election to allow the expansion of grammar schools.

The Prime Minister said creating extra places in selective schools would give parents more choice and boost social mobility.

Her comments will pave the way for more grammar schools to set up sister campuses – or annexes – in their neighbourhoods.

‘We know that grammar schools are hugely popular with parents because of the academically stretching education they provide,’ Mrs May said. ‘They make a huge difference for all children that attend them, with the attainment gap from rich and poor pupils reduced to almost zero.’

She added at a reception for the Friends of Grammar Schools campaign group in Westminster last night: ‘ The Government will continue to support the expansion of good and outstanding selective schools, where additional school places are needed.’

The creation of entirely new grammar schools was banned by Labour in 1998.

Before the general election in June, Mrs May wanted to change the law to allow a raft of new grammars to be built in the poorest areas.

The plan was shelved when she lost her majority. However allowing existing schools to create annexes – as long as they are in the same area – is still legal as it counts as a simple ‘expansion’.

Mrs May added: ‘ We know too that many grammar schools play an important role in raising the achievement of children in other schools. There are now more good or outstanding schools than ever before in our country. But we want to ensure that every child has a good school place. With 99 per cent of selective schools rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted, grammar schools are an important part

‘Make a huge difference’

of that offer to parents.’ Mrs May’s comments were met with delight by supporters of grammar schools last night. Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, said: ‘We’ve heard the Prime Minister make some very positive statements about grammar schools, which I welcome, because I do think their expansion and the role they have to play can be very positive in the future.’

The comments come after the Weald of Kent grammar school in Tonbridge was given permission in 2015 to open an annexe school in Sevenoaks.

The first ‘ new’ grammar school to be approved in 50 years was met with fanfare by parents, but Left-wing campaigners said it would damage local comprehensive schools.

Grammars have fallen out of favour with many on the Left over claims that they are full of middle-class children whose parents pay to tutor them for entrance exams.

However many now have admissions policies which favour those from disadvantaged backgrounds – such as quotas or lower pass marks for such pupils. The Government says that once disadvantaged pupils have gained access to a grammar, they soon catch up with their peers.

There are currently only 163 grammar schools in England – but many get some of the country’s best exam results.

Nick Gibb, the schools minister, told grammar school headteachers at the event last night: ‘ We are in a different position to this time last year, but your continued engagement is much appreciated.

‘ The Prime Minister has made it clear that she wants this country to be a great meritocracy. The selective sector has an important role to play, and for those students from disadvantaged backgrounds who already attend grammar schools, there is no doubt of the benefit for those children.

‘ The attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their classmates in selective schools is 1.7 per cent – compared to around 8 per cent in all schools.’

He urged the schools to implement more proactive measures to admit poorer pupils so that more could benefit from this success.