KATE Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, has said children with special educational needs (SEN) in Trafford are ‘at the back of the queue’ in the borough’s selective education system.

The grammar school debate has raged on ever since Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans introduce new selective grammar schools.

The policy forms a key part of the PM’s agenda to increase social mobility for children from deprived backgrounds in England. But critics say children of mixed abilities should be educated together and branded the move ‘retrograde’.

In a debate in parliament on grammar schools, Ms Green voiced worries from parents of SEN children that they frequently don’t get their choice of school.

She said parents have told her they believe that grammar schools are reluctant to take children with special needs because they fear they will depress the school’s results.

The education secretary, Justine Greening, agreed with Ms Green that “no child should be left out” of any education policy.

Ms Green said: “I’m really proud that our schools in Trafford perform well, but that’s because of great teaching and good leadership – not selection.

“Too often, children with special educational needs are at the back of the queue in a selective system – which simply isn’t fair.

“I was pleased that the secretary of state said she’d meet me to talk about the issue further.”

The opening of further grammar schools, which select pupils by ability in an 11 plus test, was banned in 1998 by the Labour government.

Trafford has seven grammar schools and the debate has divided the borough. Altrincham resident Julie Probert branded it “anachronistic and divisive system” whereas Timperley’s Julie Hardern argued “Trafford has very good schools because of grammars”.

Bob Harrison, vice chair of governors at Lostock College said: “From my personal perspective and experience, teachers at secondary moderns do a fantastic job. However, this is despite the 11 plus, and the damage that being labelled a failure can do to children, rather than because of it.

“Any expansion of grammar schools around here would not have a positive impact on children, teachers or the wider community.”

Ms Green wants feedback from parents, teachers and governors on how the selective system affects children with special educational needs or disabilities, so that views can be raised with the secretary of state. Contact kate.green.mp@parliament.uk.