Grammar schools: a very English solution to a very English problem

Abstract

The government’s decision to pass new legislation for the reintroduction of grammar schools took most people by surprise and was met with outcry by quite a few working in education. Details about how these new grammar schools would work in practice are still vague – in particular how they would avoid the traditional bias towards the middle classes. However what seems to stand out strongly in the debate is the generally negative response to this policy by the experts and even those in the Conservative Party. Despite this, Theresa May seems determined to push ahead with her plans, quite possibly because grammar schools are simply popular with the public. The cynic might well argue that the new prime minister wants to endear herself to the electorate – and what could be more convenient than to bring back a policy which resonates strongly with aspiring middle class and working class parents