The Financial Times’ Helen Warrell cites findings from our Gaps in Grammar report.

Children from families who are “just about managing” are significantly less likely to gain entrance to a grammar school than their wealthier peers, according to research that casts doubt on Theresa May’s plans to expand selective schooling.

A report by the Sutton Trust, the social mobility charity, argues that the prime minister — who highlighted the plight of the “Jams” before last month’s Autumn Statement — should rethink her proposals because the families she most wants to help will benefit the least from a reinvigorated grammar school policy.

Researchers found that in areas of the country where 10 per cent or more of pupils attend state-run selective schools, just 15.8 per cent of 11-year-olds were from “just about managing” families, who comprise about 6m households on low and low-to-middle incomes, according to one definition.

By comparison, children from the wealthiest families made up 34.4 per cent of 11-year-olds at these schools.

The data also showed that among pupils eligible for free school meals, white children had the lowest rate of entry to grammar schools. Disadvantaged Indian pupils were four times more likely than disadvantaged white British pupils to attend a grammar school, while disadvantaged Chinese pupils were 15 times as likely.

Sir Peter Lampl, the charity’s chairman, said: “Today’s research raises concerns about the government’s plans to use new grammars as a vehicle for social mobility. We need to get existing grammars moving in the right direction before we consider expanding their number.”

He has called on ministers to make the admissions process for grammar schools fairer before numbers are expanded. Among the suggestions are a minimum of 10 hours of test preparation for all pupils to minimise the advantage offered by private tutoring; ensuring grammar schools prioritise pupils eligible for the pupil premium (additional funding to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils); and improving outreach work to poorer families.

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Read the full article here. (£)