Chelmsley Wood councillor criticises plan for new grammars.

GRAMMAR PLAN: Theresa May

A CHELMSLEY Wood councillor has said that government plans to increase the number of grammar schools could lead to a greater divide in standards of education locally.
Coun James Burn (Green) said this week that he had concerns about Theresa May's much-publicised policy to allow the first new grammars to open for 50 years.
Urging Solihull Council to oppose the proposals, Coun Burn said there was clear evidence that the changes would be bad news for an already "polarised" borough.
Addressing Full Council on Tuesday, he said: "Grammar schools have, yes, worked for one or two people and we all know anecdotes of people who will say 'well I went to a grammar school, it worked fine for me'.
"But we have to rely as councillors on evidence not just anecdotes. On balance, a grammar school benefits children from advantaged backgrounds far more than it benefits children from disadvantaged backgrounds."
Coun Alison Rolf (Con, Bickenhill) said her son had gone to a grammar school outside the borough after passing his eleven plus and was "thriving".
She said: "I'm sorry but I can't support the motion because as a parent I want to have a choice. I want to make the best choice for my child."
Coun Burn's motion was ultimately defeated when put to the vote.

Grammar dilemma:
Grammars select children on the basis of academic ability and were once a key part of Britain's education system. In the mid 1960s, reforms by the then Labour government started a process which saw many grammars either convert to comprehensives or become independent schools. Today there are fewer than 200 state grammars remaining nationwide. Solihull, in common with many councils around the country, has none remaining.
During the summer, it emerged that the new Prime Minister was drawing up plans which would allow the creation of new grammar schools for the first time in decades. Supporters argue the policy will increase social mobility, while critics suggest it will actually lead to greater inequality.