The Conservative candidate standing for re-election in the Croydon South ward wants to see a grammar school open in the borough.

Chris Philp says that he benefited from going to a grammar school himself – St Olave’s in Bromley.

Grammar schools are a type of state school which pupils need to sit the 11 plus exam to get a place at. There are more than 150 across England, 19 of which are in London.

The creation of brand new grammar schools is now illegal. But existing grammar schools are able to expand, including opening on separate ‘satellite sites’.

This is what Mr Philp would like to see happen in Croydon.

Your Local Guardian:

He said: “There are grammar schools in Sutton and Bromley and I would like to see a satellite grammar school in a central location in Croydon. 

“I was offered a place at Trinity, here in Croydon, but my parents could not afford the fees.

“I think grammar schools give opportunities to children from ordinary backgrounds to fulfil their potential and benefit from specialist education like, I did.

“But of course I want to see all state schools succeed. There will be a seven per cent funding increase for Croydon schools, to support all schools.”

Mr Philp said he disagreed with criticism that the schools promote inequality.

He added: “I think they assist social mobility and if we support all other schools, all children can have an outstanding education.

“There is a place for grammar schools as part of a diverse education system.”

But he would not comment on whether in the future he would like to see the law changed to allow new grammar schools to be built.

His Labour opponent in next month’s general election, Olga Fitzroy, disagreed that Croydon needs a grammar school.

Your Local Guardian:

She said: “I don’t think grammar schools help enough people. It helps a small group of children who happen to do well at age 11.

“Grammar schools generally aren’t representative of the general area, there are less people who have free school meals.

“I want to see proper investment across all schools.”

There are a total of five candidates standing in Croydon South in the general election on December 12. These are:

Olga Fitzroy – Labour

Kathleen Garner – UKIP

Anna Jones – Liberal Democrats

Chris Philp – Conservative

Peter Underwood – Green Party