The DfE has “strongly advised” grammar schools to postpone this September’s 11-plus exams until October or November.

In a document published today, the DfE says: “No child is likely to perform to their utmost ability in a test at the beginning of September and all are likely to benefit from as much time back in education as possible before being assessed.

“The attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers is likely to be magnified by their absence from school during the coronavirus outbreak.

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“We therefore strongly advise that tests for grammar and partially selective schools are moved back into late October or to November if local admission co-ordination processes allow.”

Grammar School sector leaders told Tes last months that plans were already afoot to allow pupils to sit the 11-plus exam at a later date to give them time to catch-up on content missed during school closures. However the anti-selection campaign group Comprehensive Future says tests should be cancelled altogether.