White working-class boys are more than three times as likely to go to a top university if they attend a grammar school, official figures reveal.

The statistics will bolster Theresa May’s proposals to introduce grammars into deprived areas in an effort to boost the life chances of poor pupils.

They show that last year 30 per cent of poor white males from grammars gained places at the 24 universities in the elite Russell Group. That compared with just 8 per cent from other schools.

Statistics show that last year 30 per cent of poor white males from grammars gained places at the 24 universities in the elite Russell Group. That compared with just 8 per cent from other schools

For all universities, the figures revealed 70 per cent of poor white males from grammars won places. For those at non-selective schools, the figure was 54 per cent. Working-class white boys are the least likely group to gain access to higher education, an issue highlighted by the Prime Minister in her maiden speech.

The Government data published in Parliament revealed the difference a grammar school education can make by multiplying the chances of this disadvantaged group entering a top institution.

Reacting to the figures, Education Secretary Justine Greening said: ‘The Government wants to make this a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. Grammar schools have a track record of closing the attainment gap between children on free school meals and their better-off classmates, and 99 per cent of grammar schools are rated good or outstanding.

‘We want all children, whatever their background, to have access to an education that will unlock their talents.

‘That’s precisely why we have set out plans to make more good school places available, to more parents, in more parts of the country.’

The data for the year 2014-2015, the latest available, also shows grammars boost GCSE results for the least privileged.

Pupils on free school meals – the official indicator of deprivation – were more than twice as likely to achieve five A*to C grades if they attended a grammar school.

Almost 97 per cent of deprived pupils at grammars got these good grades compared to 44 per cent at non-selective schools.

For all universities, the figures revealed 70 per cent of poor white males from grammars won places. For those at non-selective schools, the figure was 54 per cent

A study commissioned by Labour Knowsley council in Merseyside found this week that grammar schools had the potential to ‘transform’ life chances for children in the poorest communities.

It said such schools would only be effective if middle-class families were not able to ‘game the system’ and hog all the places. Many grammar schools are dominated by middle-class pupils whose parents can afford tuition for entrance exams.

But after recent changes in admissions rules, many are prioritising poor local pupils with quotas or outreach programmes.

The Government is carrying out a consultation, running until December 12, on proposals to create more places at good schools.

They include ending the ban on new grammars which was imposed by Tony Blair in 1998. Only 163 remain nationwide.

The plans for more selective places where parents want them would impose strict conditions to improve other parts of the system, such as more pressure on private schools to help poorer pupils.



