Grammar school supporters in Barnet have welcomed government plans to partner selective and non-selective schools.

The borough's three grammar schools St Michael's Catholic Grammar in North Finchley; Henrietta Barnett School in Hampstead Garden Suburb, and Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet are not included in 28 partnerships, announced on Fridayby Schools Minister Stephen Timms. But pro-grammar campaigners say plans which will see £500,000 spent on helping schools share facilities and skills signal a sea change in opinion by Labour.

However, Nula Bealby of Barnet Choice, the borough's pro-grammar campaign, said she would not rest until anti-grammar legislation was repealed.

"We hope this signals the end of the threat to grammar schools. But until the legislation that allows people to campaign against grammars is removed, the threat will always be there," she said.

"We hope the Government has realised the benefits of diversity in education it isn't a sausage machine you can put all children through the same."

Anti-grammar campaigners Barnet Parents' Federation did not try to petition to abolish schools during the last academic year. The group's Jenny Brown said the job would involve collecting signatures from at least 20 per cent of parents who have a vote, or some 8,000 in total. was probably impossible.

It was not clear yesterday if the anti-grammar campaign had resumed this year.

December 12, 2001 18:20