NICKY MORGAN gave the go-ahead yesterday for the first new grammar school in over 50 years, despite her proclaimed opposition to selective education.

Labour banned the creation of new grammar schools, which select students based on tests taken at just 11 years olds, in 1998.

But the Tory Education Secretary has bent the rules by approving the “extension” of an existing grammar school in Kent.

The anneex, which will cater for an extra 450 pupils, is seven miles away from the Weald of Kent school in Tonbridge.

Ms Morgan said she was “satisfied that this proposal represents a genuine expansion of the existing school.

“It does not reflect a change in this government’s position on selective schools. Rather, it reaffirms our view that all good schools should be able to expand.”

NUT general secretary Christine Blower accused the minister of performing a “cynical sidestepping” of the law.

She said: “This new grammar school will add to England’s already highly fragmented education system.

“This has created an education marketplace where the most disadvantaged children and young people are those most likely to lose out.

“It is a simple fact that grammar schools have far fewer pupils with special educational needs or who are eligible for free school meals.”

The decision represents a U-turn by Ms Morgan, who has described herself as “resistant” to selective education and has promised: “There aren’t going to be any more grammar schools under me.”

The Star understands the decision was made by the Tory conference in Manchester, but its announcement was delayed to stop the controversy overshadowing the event.

The new school is expected to open its doors in September 2017.

With just 164 grammar schools left in England, mostly in areas with Tory-led councils, the new school is a major victory for campaigners in favour of selective education.

Labour shadow education secretary Lucy Powell branded the decision a “huge backward step” and wrote to Ms Morgan calling on her to publish the official advice she had received.

Noting the Tories’ election pledge to give every child the best start in life, Ms Powell told Ms Morgan that it was “extremely disappointing” that she and her party colleagues “have now set yourselves completely against this view.”

Expert eyes

MELISSA BENN
Comprehensive Future chair
“This is a sad day for English children. Selection at 11 divides children, gives a signal of failure to the majority, depresses social mobility and
increases inequality.
“For all the problems of the academy and free school project, Cameron and Gove glimpsed that possibility in the last parliament. What a pity they have returned to a backwards looking policy.”

SIMON THOMAS
Plaid Cymru education spokesman
“Our schools should be community schools which cater for all within a framework that raises standards.
“I was one of the last pupils educated in one of the last grammar schools in Wales. I got a good education. Many of my fellow pupils were written off at 11 and their futures decided for them with a narrow and unchallenging curriculum. Plaid Cymru will never let that return to Wales.”