THURROCK could get its own grammar schools after it was agreed by the council to “diversify” the educational choice in the borough.

A motion proposed by Tory councillor James Halden asked: “Thurrock Council adopts the official position of being pro grammar school and desires that Thurrock children should have access to them. The Authority should actively pursue / explore opportunities for grammar schools to expand into Thurrock via an annex.”

Mr Halden said "Diversity in the education market has been proven to be a great thing. It means schools need to compete with each other for who has the best offer, and it is this competition that raises standards. The next logical step is attracting a grammar school to Thurrock, which will now happen as the will of council.

"We already have just under 100 pupils having to leave Thurrock to dash around Kent and Essex to attend a grammar school - why shouldn't we ensure our children have easy access to such opportunity?”

The debate in the council chamber saw Ukip and the Conservative’s vote through the motion despite opposition from the ruling Labour group.

Mr Halden added: "Some of the best schools in the nation are grammar schools, why would Labour want to deny our students access to something that so many of them try to get every year and that other students from other boroughs have?”