Corbyn Attacks Grammar School Plan

Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May have clashed in the Commons over government plans to expand grammar schools.

19:41 15 September 2016

Jeremy Corbyn has attacked government plans to expand grammar schools saying that it would lead to “failed segregation for the few and second class schooling for the many” in which many children “could only lose out.”

 

He said: "Why does the prime minister want to expand a system that can only let children down?

"Every child should have the best possible education they can have. We don't need and never should divide children at the age of 11, where the majority end up losing out.

 

"Isn't this a case of a government heading backwards to a failed segregation for the few and second class schooling for the many. Can't we do better than this?"

 

However, Mrs May said that she backed “leveling up” in education to give every child the high-quality education they deserve so they can reach their full potentials.  

 

Noting that Mr Corbyn had himself gone to a grammar school, she accused Labour politicians of “stifling amibition and opportunity” and “taking advantage of a good education for themselves and pulling up the ladder behind them.”

 

"He went to a grammar school, I went to a grammar school. It is what got us to where we are today. My side may be slightly happier than his."