Following the government’s announcement that grammar schools in England will be allowed to expand under a news revised code of admission, MPs held a special debate in Parliament to examine the benefits of the grammar school system.

Gareth Johnson MP for Dartford secured the debate in Parliament which took place yesterday (8 November).  Numerous other MP’s also contributed to the debate commenting on the benefits of grammar schools.

Grammar schools are government funded secondary schools and are the only state schools in England that are allowed to select all of their pupils based on academic ability. Their popularity is largely due to their indisputable success rate. In 2010, around 1,050 Grammar School pupils were studying at Oxford or Cambridge and 98% of pupils in Grammar Schools achieved five or more GCSEs at Grades A*-C, including English and Maths, compared to 55% of pupils nationally. As a result, competition for places at these schools is fierce.

Mr Johnson said “I know what a first rate education grammar schools can offer to pupils from all backgrounds. They are an essential part of the education system in Kent and provide educational opportunities for thousands of children.”

There are 164 Grammar schools in England and are available in some, but not all areas of the country. Some counties are well-known for supporting the Grammar school system such as Kent, Essex, Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

There are currently four grammar schools in the constituency of Dartford and twenty seven in Kent.  This makes up over a quarter of state funded secondary schools in Kent.

During the debate Mr Johnson spoke of the benefits of grammar schools including their high exam results and the benefits of recognising and cultivating talent at an early age.

Mr Johnson defended the process of selection which is often the focus of criticism of grammar schools – some education leaders believe that they have a negative impact on neighbouring secondary schools.  “I do not claim that grammar schools are for everyone,” he said. “Some children flourish in academic surroundings, and others do not. We must cater for all children, and grammar schools play a vital role in that diversity.”

“A one-size-fits-all education system must never be our goal. Such a system can only help one sort of child. Children have different needs, talents and capabilities, and our education system should reflect that.”

Mr Johnson concluded, “I hope that the government will continue to recognise the benefits of grammar schools and that where there is demand we will provide so that parents and pupils will have access to this opportunity.”