Renewed calls for a grammar school on the coast are being been led by MP Sir Roger Gale.

The veteran Tory has requested a meeting with the government’s education secretary to discuss the possibility of opening a selective secondary in Herne Bay or Whitstable.

He says it is unfair that hundreds of children living in the towns are “bussed out” to Canterbury, Faversham and Thanet to attend selective secondaries.

Sir Roger describes the situation as “ridiculous” and warns that demand will become even greater with the planned growth in housing in the area.

“We’re trying to be pragmatic,” he said.

“At the moment there are only high schools on the coastal strip from Whitstable to Herne Bay.

“A new selective school will take the pressure off Canterbury grammars to allow them to provide for Canterbury children.

“It would also end the commute for those living in coastal towns who are being bussed elsewhere for their education.”

Last year, Barton Court Grammar School in Canterbury revealed it was keen to open a sister site to serve youngsters on the coast, possibly on scrubland next to the town’s former golf club site.

Hollamby Estates, which owns the vacant plot, at the time said it would be willing to free up the land for coastal grammar provision.

The former golf club surrounding Hollamby’s plot is owned by separate developer Quinn Estates, whose director Mark Quinn said it could provide access to the new school.

Plans went quiet, but in November hopes were re-ignited when Prime Minister Theresa May announced she will lift the ban on new grammar schools, which was brought in by Labour in 1998.

This week, Sir Roger has sought a meeting with secretary of state for education Justine Greening to discuss the matter further.

He added: “I know there are concerns it would take pupils away from the high schools, but the grammar kids are already going to other schools.

“If there is a selective school, those young people going to other towns would instead stay on the coast.

“I don’t see it damaging the high school.”

Kirstin Cardus, head teacher of Barton Court, says the school retains an interest in offering grammar school places on the coast.

Its has recently formed an academy trust which includes The Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs, and is awaiting a decision on its bid to open a non-selective secondary school on the former Chaucer School site.

“We have always been very interested in providing additional selective places on the coast with so many students in Canterbury grammar schools travelling each day from the coastal towns to the city,” Ms Cardus said.

“If [our bid is successful] then having two selective schools and two non-selective school within one Trust within travelling distance of each other would provide an ideal opportunity to share best practice, support each other and provide local parents and students with a wider choice across the local area.”