Grammars to add extra places in funding drive

GRAMMAR schools across the country are planning on expanding their numbers to plug funding shortages, heads revealed yesterday.

The move will be good news for parents desperate to get their child a place at one of the country’s remaining 163 selective schools.

Heads of many grammars are considering adding extra classes to each year-group in the near future, according to the Association of School and College Leaders.

It will mean hundreds of additional places in areas with lots of grammar schools . ASCL said adding extra classes could help grammars with financial issues, as extra pupils bring more money but not necessarily much extra cost.

ASCL deputy general secretary Malcolm Trobe said: ‘Particularly with smaller grammar schools, they are looking to add an extra class in each year group.’

Many grammars are struggling for money because their good exam results and middle-class intakes often mean they are not eligible for grants aimed at disadvantaged pupils. Creating new grammars was outlawed by New Labour, but the Government is encouraging existing schools to expand.