THE prime minister's plans for a new generation of selective grammar schools in the state system is "divisive" according to a south Cumbria headteacher.
Theresa May has come under fire from educationalists, including Ofsted's chief inspector of schools Sir Michael Wilshaw, after unveiled proposals to lift the long-standing ban on new or expanded grammars.
Sir Michael accused the PM of trying to "put the clock back" in a way which would halt momentum towards better results in the state system.
And former education secretary Nicky Morgan warned that increased selection by ability would "at best be a distraction from crucial reforms to raise standards and narrow the attainment gap, and at worst risk actively undermining six years of progressive education reform".
Peter Blackburn, headteacher of John Ruskin School, in Coniston said: "I have found myself agreeing with Sir Michael Wilshaw. The idea that grammar schools improve the attainment of children from disadvantaged backgrounds is not proven."
Mr Blackburn said grammar school can leave a legacy and comparisons between schools in communities, which he says is "divisive".
The head said the new Progress 8 measure has been positive in terms of crediting and valuing every child. Mr Blackburn said: "I think that positive step now flies in the face of the grammar schools announcement.
"This is more of a political decision than an educational one."
Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said that evidence showed grammar schools "entrench inequality" throughout life, with the earnings gap between rich and poor more than £4-an-hour wider in areas with selective schools.
She said: "Is Theresa May serious about returning to the days of labelling children failures at age 11?"
Labour have pledged to fight the grammar school plans "every step of the way", while Liberal Democrat leader and south Cumbria MP, Tim Farron, predicted the "out-of-date, ineffective approach" would be defeated in the House of Lords, where Mrs May does not enjoy a majority.
There would be £50m annual government subsidy to support new places.
Mrs May stressed that the changes were intended to help "ordinary working-class families".
She said: "I want Britain to be the world's great meritocracy - a country where everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and their hard work will allow.
"I want Britain to be a place where advantage is based on merit not privilege; where it is your talent and hard work that matter, not where you were born, who your parents are or what your accent sounds like."
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