Robert Jenrick, the frontrunner in the ongoing Conservative Party leadership race, has declared his intention to lift the ban on establishing new grammar schools if he becomes the next Tory leader and wins the general election. This statement reignites a long-standing debate within the party and British education policy.
The prohibition on new grammar schools, introduced by the Labour government over two decades ago, has been a contentious issue among Conservative MPs. Despite support from prominent figures like Baroness May, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, the policy has remained unchanged due to various political constraints.
In a recent interview on Chopper's Political Podcast, Jenrick expressed his support for grammar schools, citing his constituents' positive experiences in Lincolnshire. He stated, "Yes. My constituents enjoy grammar schools in Lincolnshire. I am a strong supporter of grammar schools."
Grammar schools, which select pupils based on academic ability through the 11-plus examination, have been a subject of intense debate in British education. As of 2024, there are 163 grammar schools in England, representing a small fraction of the approximately 3,000 state secondary schools. Supporters argue that these institutions provide opportunities for bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds, while critics contend that they reinforce social division and privilege.
Jenrick also proposed reversing Labour's decision to impose VAT on private school fees, further emphasizing his stance on education policy. This issue has been a recurring topic in political manifestos, with the private school sector educating around 6.5% of UK school children.
The current Tory leadership race has Jenrick leading with 33 votes in the second round, followed by Kemi Badenoch with 28 votes. James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat are tied at 21 votes each. The remaining candidates are set to present their leadership pitches at the upcoming Conservative Party annual conference, a tradition dating back to 1867.
In a separate development, James Cleverly, former home secretary and foreign secretary, made bold claims about his political performance. In an interview with the BBC's Nick Robinson, Cleverly asserted, "I've outperformed all the other runners and riders by a country mile – outperformed almost everyone else in my parliamentary intake."
The Conservative Party's multi-stage leadership election process will continue, with Tory MPs narrowing the field to two candidates in October, followed by a final selection by party members. This process will determine who will lead the party into the next general election and potentially shape the future of British education policy.
"Yes. My constituents enjoy grammar schools in Lincolnshire. I am a strong supporter of grammar schools."
As the leadership race progresses, the debate over grammar schools and broader education policies is likely to remain at the forefront of political discussions, reflecting the ongoing tension between traditional Conservative values and the need for educational reform in the UK.