HEADTEACHERS, governors and education experts will be quizzed in a year-long study into the falling number of Southend pupils getting into grammar schools.

Southend Council will launch an in-depth study into access to grammar schools this month after only one in ten Southend pupils passed their 11plus last year.

Alex Kaye, chairman of the cross-party group of councillors carrying out the study, said: “We will see what more can be done to improve access to grammar schools.”

Nine councillors from the people scrutiny committee, supported by officers, will gather evidence before making recommendations to the council’s cabinet next summer.

The councillors may visit schools and other authorities to find out how they ensure all pupils get a fair chance to get a place at grammar school.