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Grammar schools have been slated for teaching far too few pupils with special needs and disabilities.

Analysis by Labour MP Lucy Powell shows that grammars have 3.9 per cent of these children, the Sunday People can reveal.

Yet the average across English secondary schools is 12.7 per cent.

Former shadow education secretary Ms Powell said the Tories have insisted they want grammars to represent their communities.

“But grammar schools will set back social mobility and damage our education system,” she said.

(Image: Adam Gerrard/Daily Mirror)

“Children with disabilities or special educational needs such as dyslexia are much less likely to be

educated in a grammar.

“Shockingly, the government’s consultation paper on grammars does not mention these children.

“They are being airbrushed out.

“Ministers should focus on ensuring there are enough excellent teachers and adequate resources to ensure all children get the best start, rather than fixating on giving an elite ­­education to the already elite by expanding grammars.”