Theresa May is to create a new generation of grammar schools that will prioritise poor and disadvantaged pupils.

A leaked document on Tuesday confirmed that the Prime Minister intends to push ahead with controversial plans for selective schools despite fierce opposition from Labour and teaching unions.

On Tuesday an official was photographed on his way into Downing Street holding a document which said that the Government “will open new grammars”.

The paper acknowledged that new laws will be required to open grammar schools and warned that the House of Lords may attempt to defeat Mrs May’s bid to end the ban on new selective schools, imposed by Tony Blair in 1998.

Tory MPs welcomed the news and said that grammar schools “are popular wherever they exist”.