Legal challenge to grammar school annexe put on hold

Plans to challenge the new annexe of the Weald of Kent grammar school have been put on hold.

The new annexe is due to open in Sevenoaks in September 2017, with places for 450 girls. The announcement faced criticism for ‘side stepping’ the law which does not allow new grammar schools to open, with many claiming it to be the first new taxpayer-funded grammar school in 50 years.

Campaign group Comprehensive Future had previously said it was seeking advice on the feasibility of a judicial review of the decision in the High Court, but has delayed plans due to a lack of information.

The group has criticised the government and Kent County Council for not being open about details regarding the annexe.

Comprehensive Future’s Melissa Benn said: "The absence of official openness throughout this process has made it almost impossible for us to be certain of legally establishing, at this stage, that this is indeed a new school.

"We believe we are much more likely to win any legal argument when all the information pertaining to the day-to-day running of the school is out in the open.

"In the meantime we urgently call on the government, council and school to release all proposals relating to the school's future."

The Department for Education responded by saying that it had released all the information required by law.

A spokesman said: "The news that Comprehensive Future is reconsidering their legal challenge is good news for parents of Kent who will benefit from the extension of the excellent Weald of Kent Grammar School.”