I AM publicly backing Labour’s campaign against new grammar and selective schools.

This recent school reform announcement is nothing more than a rose-tinted view of past educational policy I believe that the Government’s claim of grammar schools tackling social mobility are unfounded.

Studies show that investment in early intervention alongside good teaching addresses school readiness and has much more of a profound impact on attainment.

A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) found that four out of five teachers do not support a new wave of grammar schools.

The Government would do well to heed advice and listen to professionals in the field.

Our schools in Leigh are a great example and continue to meet the challenges of delivering excellent education to children from all backgrounds, despite frequent changes to the curriculum by Whitehall.

I am concerned that new grammar schools will seriously undermine the successes of our integrated education system.

We must concentrate on adequate funding and support for our existing local schools and provide outstanding education for all our young children.

We simply cannot accept a system that would reintroduce selection by the back door, with our children’s futures being dictated at the age of 11.

Cllr Joanne Platt

Portfolio holder for children and young people at Wigan Council