Will grammar schools remain bastions of privilege?

Critics have opposed plans to prioritise local children and poorer pupils at grammar schools

Are exams at the age of 11 the best way to check a child’s ability? (PA)

A row over academic selection is raging as existing grammar schools across England attempt to change their entry requirements to become more representative of their local communities.

The King Edward VI Academy Trust group of grammar schools in Birmingham has been at the centre of the debate ever since Theresa May announced plans to overturn a ban on new selective schools in 2016.

The group, which runs six grammar schools in the city, has been repeatedly praised for its attempts to boost the number of “pupil premium” children – those who have received free school meals.

But now the academy trust has found itself in hot water. It appears to have pushed the community too far with its latest plans to widen access.

As well as increasing the places for poorer children, the trust will also now prioritise local children from inner-city areas with lower scores.

This is the biggest bone of contention. A number of families object to the introduction of catchment areas as they argue selection should be on merit, rather than based on where children live.

And some parents feel so strongly about it that they are raising funds for legal representation against the plans.

It is latest flashpoint in a row about selection favouring middle-class families. Around 2.6 per cent of grammar school pupils are on free school meals, compared to 14.1 per cent across all school types.

Despite overwhelming evidence to suggest existing grammar schools do not help with social mobility, the government is still keen to increase the number of places at these schools and has provided £50m of funding to achieve that aim.

However, in recognition of the stark figures, ministers have been pushing for the 163 grammar schools in England to do everything they can to increase the number of poorer children attending.

But the case in Birmingham shows that some believe changing the mix would displace hard-working families, or bring standards down. They argue that 11-plus test scores should trump everything else.

Unless private tutoring services are banned, more affluent parents who can pay for 11-plus exam preparation, and who are willing to bus their children long distances, will always have the upper hand.

And grammar schools, like the King Edward VI group, which are trying to be more inclusive, need all the support they can get to boost diversity. Public outrage against plans is likely to put poorer families off.

A number of critics say they are not opposed to increasing the number of poor children in these Birmingham schools.

But pledging thousands of pounds towards legal action to oppose plans will not help counter the image of grammar schools as bastions of privilege.