Herne Bay MP Sir Roger Gale hopes the possibility of opening a coastal grammar school in the town can now become more likely.

The veteran North Thanet MP, 73, has long called for a grammar in the Bay and thinks education bosses can now “take advantage” of a new government policy aimed at making grammar education available locally.

Prime Minister Theresa May supports an “element of selection” in the education system and has indicated she will lift the ban on new ones, introduced by Labour in 1998.

Sir Roger said: “Locally I have long campaigned for a coastal grammar school to be located in Herne Bay.

“It is ludicrous that hundreds of children from the coastal towns of Canterbury have to be bussed to Faversham, Canterbury or Thanet to receive the selective education to which they are entitled.

"I hope that we shall be able to take advantage of the government’s policy to make grammar school education available locally.”

In March, KentOnline reported on plans for a Canterbury grammar school to open a satellite in Herne Bay for up to 500 selective pupils.

Barton Court said at the time that it was “very keen” on the idea of a sister site built to serve youngsters on the coast.

Sir Roger added: “I still hope that the head teacher of Barton Court will be allowed to be instrumental in making this grammar school happen.”