It seems Theresa May wants to become a ventriloquist when she leaves politics, and is seen here practising her act: “Gottle o’gear! Gottle o’gear! Grannar schools are cunning gack!”

If you’re wondering why you can’t remember an announcement about £240 million going to grammar schools, it’s because Philip Hammond hardly mentioned it.

The only words he uttered on the subject in his Autumn Statement speech are these: “The government’s education reforms have raised standards and expanded opportunity with 1.4 million more children now in ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ schools.

“And the new capital funding I have provided today for grammar schools will help to continue that trend.”

Easy to miss.

Personally, I thought the grammar schools fiasco had died the death it richly deserved.

The Tory Government abandoned its plan for a new education bill at the end of October, and that meant no more grammar schools.

It seems absolutely insane that they are now raking over these old coals – and giving schools that already cater for the privileged an extra £240 million in preparation for more to come.

Is this yet another U-turn by Theresa May?

If so, the ‘dangerous driving’ label applied to her in the Guardian article I quoted earlier this month is becoming increasingly apt.

Theresa May faces a backlash from Tory MPs after £240m was devoted to an expansion of grammar school places in the Autumn Statement.

One Conservative told The Independent the much needed cash should be refocused on ensuring high-quality leadership in schools in general.

Others said they were “taken aback” when Chancellor Philip Hammond announced the money would be set aside for the plan.

The money to increase places at existing schools comes as Ms May is still consulting on her proposals to open completely new grammars, a process some felt should be completed before any expansion of selective education occurs.

Mr Hammond said £60m has been earmarked every year to 2020/21 to expand existing grammar schools. The consultation on Ms May’s plan to lift the ban on opening new grammars finishes on December 12.

Source: Theresa May faces Tory backlash over £240m boost for grammar school places | The Independent

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