MERSEYSIDE grammar schools will be able to expand without the agreement of parents.

Last night Liverpool MP Stephen Twigg branded the new school admissions code which strips parents of the right to object to grammar schools taking on more pupils as “worrying”.

In November Schools minister Nick Gibb had hinted it would be harder for opponents of grammar schools expansion plans to trigger parental ballots to abolish the proposals.

Now it looks like parents will not be able to object at all if grammar schools - like West Kirby girls school, Calday Grange in West Kirby, Wirral boys and girls schools, both in Bebington, Upton Hall School and St Anselm’s College, in Birkenhead and Blue Coat School in Wavertree decide to expand.

Mr Gibb had said in a Commons address that “anyone” could object to adjudicators – who arbitrate on issues to do with schools’ admissions – about arrangements.

But now it has emerged a final version of the code, laid before parliament at the start of this month, states objections to the expansion of the most popular schools – whether selective or not – “cannot be brought” to the Schools Adjudicator.

Confirming the move, a Department for Education spokesman said: “For too long parents have seen school places rationed as local authority have been required to ensure there was not a surplus of places in their area, which often meant putting a cap on the number of places on good and popular schools.

“We have removed the requirement for schools to consult on their Published Admissions Number (PAN), though they must consult on their oversubscription criteria. Expanding PAN should not be seen in isolation.

“We are increasing the numbers of academies and have also seen the first Free Schools open this Autumn.”