Theresa May’s grammar school revolution will ‘fail the poor’ says ex-Education Minister

THERESA May’s grammar schools revolution will fail to push up standards or improve social mobility, an in-depth independent study backed by a former minister has claimed.

The damning report said introducing more grammar schools will leave poorer children at risk of even worse exam results as the best teachers and kids leave their classes.

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The groundbreaking analysis from the Education Policy Institute is another thumping body blow to Theresa May who faces a battle to get her revolutionary plans to reform schools through Parliament.

Former Education Minister David Laws – chairman of the EPI – said the gap between the richest and most disadvantaged kids “could well increase” as a result of more grammar schools opening their doors.

He said: “Our analysis shows that there is a risk that in those areas with large numbers of selective places more grammar schools will on average reduce the results achieved by poorer children.

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“What our research also demonstrates is that able pupils will perform just as well at high-quality non-selective schools, and these schools are much better than grammar schools at serving children from all backgrounds.”

The key findings of the report showed there was “no significant positive impact on social mobility”.

And it said opening more grammar schools in areas which already have selective schools could lead to lower grades for all pupils in a double whammy that would hit the poorest kids hardest.

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Mr Laws added: “Creating additional grammar schools is unlikely to lead to either a significant improvement in overall education standards or an increase in social mobility.

“There are far too few children from lower income families who attend grammar schools, and although these schools generally deliver good results for their pupils the attainment gap widens because it is not those from disadvantaged backgrounds who benefit.”

The PM has been warned by ex-Education Secretary Nicky Morgan she faces a “real battle” to get her planned reforms through the Commons.

Labour and Lib Dem peers in the Lords are also likely to block the legislation.