Grammars have received a £50m funding boost, while at the same time many primary and secondary schools are resorting to Amazon Wish Lists to fund basic supplies.
The apparent success of grammar schools is simply due to pupils coming from more advantaged social backgrounds and already having higher academic attainment at age 11.
Theresa May might believe ‘poorer children do better’ at grammar schools, but she still has a lot to learn about how social inequality impacts education.
The reintroduction of grammar schools means that once again schools and headteachers will be required to make sense of contradictory national policies.
The cynic might argue Theresa May wants to endear herself to the electorate, and what could be more convenient than to bring back a policy which resonates strongly with aspiring middle class parents.