Plans to open the first selective state school in the country for 50 years has attracted praise from Dartford MP Gareth Johnson.

The opening of the new grammar school in Sevenoaks, which was previously blocked by former education secretary Michael Gove, will have 450 places for pupils.

The MP for Dartford said: "This is great news for Kent and great news for the grammar school system.

TOP STORIES: "It will add diversity to our already thriving educational establishments and relieve pressure on schools in the area.

"In Dartford and Wilmington we have four excellent grammar schools, but they are hugely oversubscribed and building this extra grammar school capacity in Sevenoaks will help alleviate that situation.

"Grammar Schools are popular, they provide excellent education, and they enable many children to maximise their own potential.

"Grammar schools are good schools and it is right to allow good schools to thrive and expand."

The proposed plans are part of an expansion on the current Weald of Kent girls’ grammar school in Tonbridge.

The Times reported that under the proposed expansion of the school, the new site will be located over eight miles away with pupils and staff being bussed between the two sites.

Let us know what you think of the plans to open a new grammar school in Kent by tweeting to @Jame5Parsons

This Is Local London:
Gareth Johnson posted his praise on a facebook post earlier today (October 15)