OXFORDSHIRE could be one of the first places in the country to see new grammar schools created should the Government lift a ban on them.

Prime Minister Theresa May, who was educated at Holton Park Girls' Grammar School in Wheatley, has indicated she would be open to changing the rules to allow grammar schools to return.

The schools, scrapped in 1998, were state-funded and selected most pupils at the age of 11 based on academic ability, using through the 11-plus exam.

Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for education Melinda Tilley said she would write to the Education Secretary immediately if the ban on new grammars was lifted – reportedly as early as October – in order speed up their introduction here.

She said: "Since we did away with grammar schools we have gone right down the education league.

"I would like us to get them as soon as possible if the Prime Minister lifted the restrictions."

It is believed the Government could allow new grammar schools to be built as well as giving existing academies and free schools permission to select children based on academic ability.

Ms Tilley added: "I think one or two academies in the county might like to select by ability.

"When you look around at children they are not all equal, they are different.

"Some are good at some things and some are god at others.

"It is a good idea to give children who are academically gifted the chance to go to grammar school."

But the National Union of Teachers (NUT) said it believed most parents would not support the schools.

NUT Oxfordshire spokesman Ed Finch said: "The NUT is very disappointed to see this move.

"It is a retrograde step and most people believe that.

"I am sure you would see parent resistance alongside the unions and teachers.

"We were pleased to see the back of grammar schools because we felt they tended to benefit those who already benefited."

Grammar schools thrived from 1944 onwards but were largely replaced by comprehensive schools between 1965 and the late 1980s, with just 164 left in England.

Secondary modern schools catered for pupils who did not pass the 11-plus exam.

Oxford-based education expert Professor John Howson said new grammars in Oxfordshire would damage the economy.

He said: "Grammar schools were a great 19th century invention when most children left school at 14 to work on the farm or in the factory.

"If we are going to have a vibrant economy they are not viable.

"Dynamic science and technology work is what we are selling ourselves on in Oxfordshire.

"Grammars had a very mixed reputation in terms of the sciences and a very poor reputation in terms of technology.

"One of the results is that Oxfordshire's economy will be damaged by this if it is not planned properly."