Grammar Schools will expand

Critics have argued that the government is ‘expanding selection by the back door’ by recently allowing a grammar school to expand onto a new site in Kent.  This is likely to lead to the first major expansion of grammar schools in England since 1998, when Labour made the opening of new grammar schools in England illegal.  However recent changes to the Admissions Code, now allow oversubscribed schools to expand beyond their boundaries.

 The issue is politically sensitive and likely to reignite fierce debates. Labour opposes academic selection but did not abolish grammar schools while in government while in 2007, David Cameron risked a backbench rebellion when he dropped the party's pledge to build more grammar schools as he sought to modernise the party.

Opponents say they divide children in to "sheep and goats" at 11 through the 11-plus exam, which they have to pass to get a place, and that schools around them suffer. Supporters say they are beacons of excellence which help children achieve their potential - and that academically bright pupils are best taught together.

A Department for Education spokesman said on Thursday: "The overriding objective of this government's reforms is to increase the supply of good school places so parents have real choice.

"That includes making it easier for good schools - grammar or otherwise - to increase their published admission number

"Legislation prohibits the establishment of new grammar schools, and ministers have been clear that that will not change."

In Kent, parents set up an online petition to campaign for such an expansion, arguing that this was the only part of the county without a grammar school.

The new "satellite school" would take in 120 pupils in a year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17534910