Justine Greening has raised concerns about plans to lift an 18-year ban on new grammars

Theresa May is to press ahead with plans to bring back grammar schools despite a cabinet split over the pace and scale of the reform.

Justine Greening, the education secretary, has raised concerns about the prime minister’s plan to lift an 18-year ban on new grammars, according to a confidential document.

The proposal should be downgraded to one of several options for reform, Ms Greening believes, and help for disadvantaged pupils should be guaranteed. A senior official from her department also voiced fears that it would be blocked by parliament.

Mrs May is determined to allow new state schools to select some pupils by academic ability, a senior government figure told The Times, and will continue with the reforms. Expanding selective education is to