I WAS disappointed to read Cllr Stuart Rawlings’ take on grammar schools because there appeared to be nothing much said beyond obedient repetition of the Prime Minister’s position.

I’d hoped to hear more about what matters for children and parents in York, and how we continue to improve standards for all, rather than being distracted by outdated ideas for Grammar Schools which serve just the top 20 to 25 per cent of pupils and do little to improve social mobility or help those from poorer backgrounds.

91.2 per cent York pupils attend a school rated by Ofsted as either good or outstanding last year. This is testament to years of hard work and professionalism by school heads and teachers, supported by dedicated officers at the council to deliver school improvement.

Plans are in place for continual improvement and there is more that can and must be done. But York’s families do enjoy the benefits of a school system that works.

I had expected that York’s Conservatives would view Theresa May’s grammar schools proposals as an unnecessary distraction given York’s high standards.

York’s Conservatives should start sticking up for York residents and do what’s best for local families, rather than simply kowtowing to a Westminster elite.

Cllr Stuart Barnes (Labour), Pottery Lane, York