The Prime Minister (PM), Theresa May, is planning to launch a new generation of grammar schools by scrapping the ban on them imposed almost 20 years ago.

The PM wants to overturn this rule to try and enhance education for children from all different backgrounds across the UK.

The new proposal arose with the PM suggesting that more grammar schools will help less fortunate children coming from poorer homes and families, providing greater opportunities for gaining a better education and subsequently better careers.

However, her proposal has received a lot of backlash from other MP’s and educational bodies, who have vowed against the introduction of more grammar schools and wholeheartedly disagree with the PM’s actions.

Andrew Morrish, leader of The Victoria Academy Trust, states that the government should focus their attention on what the educational sector offers now and build upon that, instead of implementing more grammar schools. He goes on to quote that ‘grammar schools don’t always offer better staff and resources and provide a better education than a state school’. 

Furthermore, Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition, also argues the same point suggesting that May should be investing in all schools around the country, rather than being ‘selective’ with grammar schools. 

Theresa May insists that people are focusing too much on how grammar schools operated back in the 1950’s and 60’s, and states that under her conservative government they will be run differently and more efficiently to help less fortunate children.

Grammar schools are most well known for their 11-plus exams which students undertake at the end of their last year in primary school. The 11-plus exams offer a variety of questions from numeracy and maths to problem solving. This examination type has come under fire with criticism suggesting that families with higher incomes spend money on private tutors for their children for a better chance that they’ll pass. 

Grammar schools can be looked upon with different sentiments, with some feeling they are good for education, and others stating they are exclusive schools for the wealthy.

Currently there are 163 grammar schools in England which is a massive decrease from the 1960’s where over 1200 grammar schools operated across England. Many of these schools either reverted to non-selective schools or closed down. However, that figure looks set to rise again if the PM is successful in implementing her plans for a new look education sector.