Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, responding to reports that Nicky Morgan will grant permission for a new grammar school in Kent, said:

“Having made social mobility the centre of his conference speech, David Cameron should look at the clear evidence on grammar schools: They do not increase equality of opportunity: they make it worse. Tiny numbers of children from disadvantaged backgrounds pass their tests because they are the preserve of the privately tutored. That’s why Ofsted and educational experts are against their expansion. This is a hugely backward step from a Prime Minister who seems to care little for excellence for all. David Cameron is once again saying one thing but doing the opposite.”