Dr Ben Spencer attended the Grammar School Heads Association conference

I was pleased last week to have the opportunity to speak at the Grammar School Heads Association conference.
 

Grammar schools, like many of our schools, are centres of excellence, nurturing children to reach their full academic potential as well as playing a formative role in their development into adults with a sense of civic responsibility.
 

Striving for and achieving excellence should be something that is celebrated, not only in grammar schools but across all schools, regardless of the model. Excellence isn’t only about academic achievement or professional status, it is about supporting children to understand the value of using their talents to contribute to build stronger and more prosperous communities, families and societies.

I spoke to many grammar school heads at the event whose passion for the opportunities offered by the grammar school education and experience was inspiring. We also discussed the challenges facing grammar schools which, in common with schools across the board are heavily related to funding constraints.

However, among all the challenges facing the education sector, one of my key concerns is the current regressive direction of policy which is limiting education options - particularly in relation to independent and academy schools - and putting many of our institutions at risk.

As a society, we want more diversity in our education system so that parents have an increased choice of setting which best suits their child’s needs and capabilities. I believe it is a mistake to prevent the creation of new grammar schools, leaving areas such as Surrey with none. Whether grammar schools, specialist schools, technical colleges, academies or any other model, children deserve access to the education that best meets their needs.

I attended a grammar school, and I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional education and opportunities this gave me. I want fantastic opportunities to be enjoyed by all children. I will therefore continue to support our local schools and call for education policy at a national level which promotes successful models, regardless of funding status, selective admissions criteria or specialism.

Dr Ben Spencer, Member of Parliament for Runnymede and Weybridge