Theresa May’s plans for new grammar schools have been an ‘unnecessary distraction’ from the need to equip young people to meet the demands of the workplace, according to the chair of parliament’s Education Committee, Neil Carmichael MP.

Mr Carmichael’s committee has just published a report on the case for new grammar schools, a policy that was rushed out by Theresa May’s government in her first days in an official was photographed carrying plans for them out of Number 10 Downing Street.

Mr Carmichael said: “The Government has yet to prove the case for opening a new wave of grammar schools. The Prime Minister rightly talks of making Britain a great meritocracy. If the Government wants to push ahead with new grammar schools it must demonstrate how this aids social mobility and improves educational outcomes for all, most especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“The focus on opening new grammar schools is, in my view, an unnecessary distraction from the need to ensure all our young people are equipped with the skills to compete in the modern workplace. A broadly skilled workforce is crucial to the future success of the UK economy. If the Government is committed to increased specialisation in our education system then they should spell out how this meets the aims of the Industrial Strategy and the goal of an economy that works for all”.

The report commends certain aspects of the policy, including the evidence given by Schools Minister Justine Greening, who said “it absolutely will be a condition of approval” of any new grammar schools that they will “have to demonstrate how they are going to help other schools in the area”.