Study’s stark verdict on grammars

Grammar schools do not help pupils achieve academic success, a study has claimed.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) added that attending a grammar school had no positive impact on teenagers’ self-esteem, or their aspirations for the future.

Ministers plan to spend £50million on creating more places at existing grammar schools.

The UCL team analysed data from children in England and Northern Ireland, and set questionnaires for pupils.

The Department for Education said that selective schools helped disadvantaged children.