Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting on further moves to open new grammar schools, said:

“Nicky Morgan will rue the day she allowed the new grammar school in Kent. This decision has opened the floodgates and we are now seeing moves in many selective areas to open new grammar schools. All the evidence shows selective education is terrible for social mobility with even Kent County Council admitting yesterday grammar schools fail disadvantaged children. 

"The Government should be focusing on ensuring an excellent education for all children not just the few who get through the grammar school gates.”

Ends

Notes to editors

1.   Yesterday at full council, leader of Kent County Council councillor Paul Carter admitted social mobility in the county’s grammars was “not where we would like it to be” as he launched a commission to look at how to boost the numbers of pupils from poorer homes at grammar schools.“  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-34608382