England’s 164 state grammar schools form a distinctive but controversial part of the nation’s education system. These schools are distinctive in terms of their high levels of performance – one consequence of them being the only state schools allowed to choose the pupils they educate by testing applicants’ ability. They are controversial because of their perceived negative impact on social mobility.

While grammar school advocates claim that they provide a “ladder of opportunity” for “disadvantaged” pupils, recent evidence challenges this assertion. For example, a recent Sutton Trust Report has shown that disadvantaged pupils form a very small minority of entrants to grammar schools, and more than five times their number come from relatively privileged backgrounds.

Read the full article here.

Media enquiries

If you're a journalist with a question about our work, get in touch with Sam or Rocky on the number below. The number is also monitored out of hours.

E: [email protected] T: 0204 536 4642

Keep up to date with the latest news