Blocking excellence in education - Telegraph The revelation that Michael Gove has blocked the expansion of a grammar school into Sevenoaks, Kent, is bitterly disappointing. This is a part of the country where academic selection still exists and demand for places is reportedly high. The bureaucrats" argument is that this particular proposal defies current rules, saying that new grammar schools cannot be built, only old ones expanded - and that the experiment in Kent was so large and innovative that it clearly represented a new foundation. But this argument runs counter to the Government's own commitment to foster excellence and choice in education. If people want a grammar school, be it labelled an annexe to satisfy the pen-pushers or proudly advertised as an independent institution, why should the people not have it? Polls consistently show that 70 per cent or more of the public would like to see selection return, and for obvious reasons. In an age in which British schools are falling behind their international competitors, the grammar sector remains not only high performing but also open to people from all classes. These schools are dynamic motors of social mobility. If the Department for Education finds diversity and excellence blocked by the existing rules, then we suggest that they change those rules as soon as possible. It is odd to see a Tory government sacrifice high standards to suit outdated egalitarian whims.