Council opposes the reintroduction of grammar schools

Councillor Kieran Heakin opposed to the reintroduction of grammar schools

The government's proposal to reintroduce grammar schools was the subject of a motion at the full council meeting held on Wednesday evening (19 October).

Assistant to the Cabinet Member for Schools, Councillor Kieran Heakin's motion stated: "The government is determined to reintroduce grammar schools for the first time in 50 years.

"This council believes this will only serve to segregate our children, providing a privileged education for a few and a second class education for th rest.

"Grammar schools foster inequality. A report published in 2014 found the grammar school system widens the gap between rich and poor, with pupils who miss out on places left at an 'immediate disadvantage'.

"Rochdale Council believes every child matters, not just a select few. We oppose plans to open new grammar schools across the country and in our borough.

"The Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Education expressing our concern that proposals to reintroduce grammar schools would lead to a two-tier and divisive education system that would damage the education and future prospects of hundreds of our borough's children."

Former headmaster Councillor Heakin was joined in the Council chamber speaking against grammar schools by Labour colleagues, councillors Danny Meredith and Liam O'Rourke.

Conservative councillor Michael Holly opposed the motion saying grammar schools gave the best education to the those suited to an academic route. He was backed by colleagues councillors Pat Sullivan and Ashley Dearnley. Councillor Sullivan accused Councillor Heakin, who himself attended a grammar school, of wanting to "close the door behind him". Councillor Dearnley said "it is not right to deny parents the choice".

The Conservatives were keen to point out the number of senior Labour figures who oppose grammar schools that send their own children to fee paying schools to avoid the state system.

The motion was carried with all Labour councillors, along with the two Liberal Democrat councillors, voting in support and the Conservatives voting against.