Only six local authorities 'pass tests for where grammar schools should be'

Just six of the 152 local authorities in England "pass a series of sensible tests" for where grammar schools should be placed or expanded, a research body has found.

The Education Policy Institute tested areas against four criteria, which it called "consistent" with the "principles" laid out in the Government's "schools that work for everyone" consultation.

It looked for local authorities made up of a significant number of areas where new or expanded grammar schools would: not be to the detriment of pupils who do not attend the school; not undermine existing high performing non-selective schools; be in high demand from parents; and have enough pupils attending within a reasonable travel distance.

The education think tank analysed the 152 local authorities in England to find which ones would fill the four criteria, and found only six fit the bill.

They were Solihull, Essex, North Yorkshire, Dorset, Northamptonshire and North Somerset.

The report concluded that if the Government wants to use the set of tests laid out by the institute, they will find creating new grammar school places challenging.

It added: "Expanding existing grammar schools is likely in a majority of such areas to reduce the average attainment of disadvantaged pupils and is therefore unlikely to improve social mobility."

The think tank suggested: "A more promising approach in the most disadvantaged and low attaining areas may therefore be to focus on increasing the quality of existing non-selective school places."

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: "Once again the Education Policy Institute have come up with the right questions about the Government's desire to increase grammar schools. The answers in their report must make uncomfortable reading for ministers.

"Faced with the overwhelming evidence, from international sources, from research and from the evidence of the current effects of selection in England, a government interested in evidence based policy would back off from a bad idea."

A spokesman for the Department for Education said: "This report is highly speculative. We held a consultation to help us establish how we can create more good school places for children of all backgrounds by removing the ban on grammar schools and this report is a crude attempt to second guess what that consultation will conclude.

"Independent organisations have recognised the transformative impact grammar schools can have on the lives of disadvantaged young people.

"Our consultation closes on December 12 and we look forward to considering all the responses."