Chancellor accused of funding grammar expansion '˜via the backdoor' as he unveils £300m for new schools

The hefty cash injection includes a £320m investment in the Government’s free schools programme, as well as a further £216m boost for infrastructure and refurbishment projects.

Unveiling the fund, Chancellor Philip Hammond will argue it is a sign of a Government investing in education and skills “to equip our children for the future”.

But critics will claim it is an attempt to finance controversial plans to reintroduce grammar schools “through the back door”.

The Treasury announcement follows claims that the previously ring-fenced education budget could be under threat, after Mr Hammond issued fresh demands for efficiency savings from Whitehall departments.

The £320m free school investment is expected to fund up to 140 new schools, building on the government’s ongoing commitment to open 500 new free schools by 2020.

Critics of the free school programme have raised concerns about standards and oversight of these institutions, as well as claiming they are centred “disproportionately in middle-class neighbourhoods”.

However, the Government has maintained they allow for greater local influence over educational provision, while giving parents more options for their children.

Speaking ahead of the Budget, Prime Minister Theresa May will argue that a good school place still remains “out of reach” for too many children. But she will claim her government is overseeing a “revolution” in the schools system, “[raising] standards and opportunities”.

“For too many children... their options [are] determined by where they live or how much money their parents have,” she will say.

“As part of our commitment to creating a school system that works for everyone, today we are confirming new investment to give parents a greater choice of a good school place for their child, and we will set out the next stage of our ambitions in the coming months.”

However, the Lib Dems have attacked the new funding as a “ruse” to support Mrs May’s plans to increase the number of selective schools. They claim new free schools could be set up with selection criteria, before eventually becoming “fully fledged” grammar schools.

“The government are planning to use this scheme as a ruse, reintroducing grammar schools through the back door,” a spokesman said. “This cash is the thin end of the wedge and shows, what the Tories think of education.”

In addition to the new funding, the Government will also announce plans to expand access to free home-to-school travel to cover pupils attending selective schools. Under current arrangements, local authorities are obliged to transport children who are eligible for the service up to 15 miles – but only to one of their three nearest “suitable” schools.

This means that if a child is accepted into a grammar school that is within the 15 mile radius but not one of the three closest options they may not qualify for support.

However, as a result of the reforms, the Treasury says all eligible children “will now receive free transport to attend a selective school within two to 15 miles”.

Commenting on the plans, Mr Hammond said: “Investing in education and skills is the single most important thing that we can do to equip our children for the future.

“These announcements take the next steps in giving parents greater choice in finding a good school for their child, whatever their background.”