Eight in 10 teachers are against new grammar schools, poll finds
Eight in 10 teachers and school leaders are against Theresa May's plans for a new wave of grammar schools, a new survey has found.
A similar proportion also do not believe tests taken at the age of 11 can measure academic potential, according to a poll conducted by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), and Teach First.
The survey also found that 85% of respondents do not believe the selection process can be designed to stop other factors playing a part, such as parental engagement or income.
Russell Hobby, general secretary of the NAHT, said: "Increasing, the number of grammar schools will lower standards and restrict opportunity.
"We cannot afford such an elitist policy in the 21st century - as many students as possible need a high-quality academic education. This is a terrible distraction from the issues that matter most."
Mrs May pledged to make Britain "the great meritocracy of the world", as she announced plans to lift the long-standing ban on new grammar schools.
However, the proposals have been met with criticism, with former education secretary Nicky Morgan recently telling ITV News that she does not believe the plans will get through the House of Commons.
Malcolm Trobe, interim General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "We don't need more selection in the education system. What schools desperately need is enough teachers and enough funding, both of which are in critically short supply.
"The government should focus on these issues rather than obsessing about an education policy plucked from the 1950s. Our job is to work together to ensure the education system supports all young people to achieve."
The survey, which questioned 2,500 teachers, school leaders and heads, was carried out for campaign organisation the Fair Education Alliance, which has launched a petition calling for the grammar ban to be kept in place.