It is a touchy subject for the Tories: in 2007 David Cameron promised not to expand the grammar-school system, as part of his attempt to detoxify the party's image.

ECONOMIST: Grammar schools

Kent's grammar-school system is also very popular with parents.

WSJ: The Oast: A Quirky English Outpost��WSJ Mansion

After promotion to lead the whole education portfolio he went on to attack Labour's grammar school policy, calling the selective system "as divisive as it is archaic" and telling MPs how 11-plus exam failures - including his brother - suffered for life.

BBC: Phil Willis: Education & Employment