The number of grammar school places in England has risen by 11,000 in eight years, the equivalent of 16 new schools. Growth has accelerated in the past year and put the nation on course for another 5,000 places by 2021, according to official figures. It is likely to rise faster when head teachers are given the first grants from a new £50 million expansion fund announced after Theresa May was forced to shelve plans to allow new grammars for the first time since 1998. The £50 million is the first tranche of a planned £200 million investment in grammars which can show how they will admit more disadvantaged children. As many as 35 schools are thought to be preparing bids.

Source: The Times August 01, 2018 08:03 UTC