Plans to overturn a ban on new grammar schools are expected to be jettisoned by the government tomorrow in the Queen’s Speech.

The plans had been a flagship policy of the Conservative government and were widely supported by many MPs - including backbenchers in the county.

But Prime Minister Theresa May looks set to abandon the plan after calculating that the policy was likely to be defeated in the Commons and if not there, then in the House of Lords.

Despite featuring prominently in the Conservative manifesto, which claimed grammar schools almost completely eliminated the "attainment gap between rich and poor pupils," the policy was deeply controversial.

Last year, more than 30 headteachers from around the county wrote to the Prime Minister to denounce the idea.

They said selection eroded children’s confidence and the system should be scrapped. They argued there was no evidence to support the government’s claim that selection improves standards.

Despite the controversy, a survey carried out on behalf of the KM Group found many voters supported the idea - but at the same time, opposition was hardening.

Our poll revealed that 62% of respondents supported the policy.

However, that was 13% down on a similar poll carried out in 2015.

At the same time, opposition to selection through the 11-plus has appeared to harden, with 26% against compared to 10% in our survey in 2015.

A new grammar school annexe in Sevenoaks is due to open in September after a long campaign by parents in the area whose children were forced to travel long distances to get to a selective school.