Grammar schools are no better than state schools, research suggests

Grammar schools are no better than state schools, research suggests

New research suggests that grammar schools do not perform any better than non-selective state schools.

As reported by the BBC, academics at Durham University found the "apparent success" of these wholly selective schools was down to their brighter and more advantaged pupils.

The academics say that boosting the number of schools that select pupils for ability would be dangerous for equality.

The research, based on results of around 550,000 pupils suggests that after ability and social background is taken into account, grammar schools are no more or less effective than other schools.

The results found that grammar schools only take in a small number of pupils who are, or have been, eligible for free school meals.

The Conservative government had to ditch plans to let new grammar schools opening following the general election, however, ministers are looking to allow existing grammar schools expand.

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