Grammar Schools

Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall Excerpts

Wednesday 7th September 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Nash]

My noble friend makes an extremely good point. I assure him that that is in the system.

[Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall (Lab)]

My Lords, would the Minister agree that one of the most pernicious things about the way grammar schools work where they are still available is that the selection system allows an extraordinary industry in coaching and tutoring, which is available only to people who can afford to pay for it? Therefore, the social mobility that grammar schools allegedly provides is provided to a very small minority of people, not only in numbers of places but in types of people.

[Lord Nash]

As always, the noble Baroness makes a very good point, relating to coaching for tests. We are working with the Grammar School Heads Association to see whether we can develop tests that are much less susceptible to coaching. Some 66 grammar schools now prioritise free school meals applications.