In Kent, as the population increases, there also needs to be an increase in grammar school numbers to keep provision of the 25% of places for grammar ability stable (this does not and should not take into account additional numbers granted places through appeals). Whilst those opposed to selection may have a case for the complete allocation of grammar schools, it is not valid to argue for the blocking of additional places to keep opportunities at the same level. Whilst some grammar schools are able to increase size on site to meet this need, the main method for the future to stay within the rules would appear to be by annexes, following the Weald of Kent Grammar School Annexe in Sevenoaks as a precedent. currently the only example in the country. .
For historical reasons, grammar provision across the county is uneven, but there are already long term shortages, and the rapid expansion of some areas is and will continue creating extreme pressures.
The main pressure point for many years has been Herne Bay and Whitstable, both with a rapidly growing population, where unsuccessful attempts to meet need have been made intermittently since the 1980s. Two grammar schools have made public their desire to provide an annexe there in the next round of expansion: Barton Court in Canterbury (one of several attempts over the years) and Queen Elizabeth’s, Faversham.
There are currently three other pressing major areas of housing expansion: Ashford; Folkestone and Ebbsfleet. The two Ashford grammar schools are not yet up to capacity, with Norton Knatchbull able to absorb more boys comfortably. In Folkestone, where the Shepway Test adds to demand for grammar school places, there is a major expansion planned for Otterpool, and The Harvey Grammar is being considered for expansion. Ebbsfleet where the new Ebbsfleet Garden City is underway is situated between Gravesham and Dartford. There is no apparent extra capacity in Dartford for multiple reasons discussed elsewhere on this site, so any solution has to be met by the expansion of the two Gravesham grammars, with some grammar qualified Ebbsfleet children already having to appeal to stand a chance of a selective place.