Grammar school stays with council

Parents at Sale Grammar School in Trafford have voted not to opt out of local authority control. They took the decision despite a declaration by the Labour-controlled local authority that it intends to end selection.

Supporters of opting out argued that grant maintained status would enable the school to continue to select pupils. Dozens of grammar schools have opted out to protect themselves from hostile local authorities. However, opponents of the opt-out decision said that that grant maintained status would offer no protection if Labour win the general election. Labour has said that it will end opting out and allow parents to vote on whether they want to keep selective schools.