Sevenoaks grammar annexe plan hit by single sex decision
A school's decision to remain single-sex has set back plans to open a co-educational grammar school annexe, Kent County Council has said.
Weald of Kent Grammar, which takes girls from 11, had wanted to run the annexe in Sevenoaks, but the government said it could not approve the move.
The council asked Weald of Kent if it wanted to become co-educational, so it could run the co-educational site.
The school decided not to admit boys but said it would seek other solutions.
Kent council said it was a setback but the plans were "not dead".
The law forbids the opening of new grammar schools, but changes made in 2012 enabled existing schools to expand.
David Bower, chairman of governors at Weald of Kent, said parents and governors did not back the move because it would not create additional girls' places.
He said the school would continue to work with the government and council to try to find another solution.
Councillor Roger Gough, cabinet member for education, said: "It [the annexe plan] is certainly not dead in the water. There is no doubt that this is a setback."
He said Weald of Kent was still interested in providing grammar places in Sevenoaks.
Talks would continue with Weald of Kent and other selective schools in the area, he added.