New wave of grammar schools labelled “unnecessary distraction” by MPs

The debate over opening new grammar schools has seen MPs question how vague the current plans are.

The education select committee has doubts as to if grammars would help social mobility and MPs have said that the government has failed to convince them that the ban should be removed.

The committee’s chair, Neil Carmichael, described the focus on new grammar schools as an “unnecessary distraction” which prevents the current school system being improved.

However, the DfE believes that removing the ban would make places in good schools available to more parents.

MPs have stated that ministers still need to show how this could improve social mobility and close the gap between rich and poor pupils.

They also raised concerns that expanding grammars could affect the amount of funding and supply teachers of non-selective schools.

The education committee has requested that the government carry out an assessment to analyse the impact this would have on the wider school system.

MPs have also criticised that there is no clear outline of how many grammar schools are expected to be created and how they will measure the demand for the new schools.

However, the Grammar School Heads’ Association revealed more details surrounding grammars, stating that they could be open by 2020.

There was also talks that the new grammars would be much more selective with pupils in comparison to traditional grammar schools.