21/02/10 - Alex Williams welcomes latest poll that shows huge support for Stretford and Urmston's Grammar and High Schools

An overwhelming majority of the public support the autonomy and continued existence of Stretford and Urmston's Grammar and High schools accordingly to a new poll just released.

An opinion poll carried out by ICM for the National Grammar Schools Association (NGSA) has found 70% of those questioned support the retention of the 232 grammar schools in England and Northern Ireland as self-governing state schools and additional, voluntary choice for parents. 19% oppose the idea and 10%
don't know.

Asked if they would support the introduction of some new state grammar schools, especially in urban areas where there currently are none, 76% support the idea, 17% oppose it and 6% don't know. Support for grammars is strong across all age and income groups with a remarkable 85% of 18 to 24 year-olds (first time voters) wanting more grammar schools.

Similar questions put by ICM for the NGSA in March 2006 found that 61% opposed  attacks on grammar schools by politicians and 70% would like to see new grammar schools introduced in England.

Alex Williams, Deputy Leader of Trafford Council and Prospective Conservative MP for Stretford and Urmston says:

"This latest poll shows how popular our selective system is in Stretford and Urmston. While Labour have tried over many years to get rid of our Grammar and High schools, local Conservatives, including myself, have fought to defend and support them."

"It's no co-incidence that we have the best A-level and GCSE results in the North West, despite the lowest per pupil funding in Greater Manchester. Its because of our Grammar and High schools that local children have the best possible start in life, irrespective of parental wealth or background."