Ripon Grammar School ballot
The Ripon Grammar School ballot was a ballot which occurred in 2000 to decide whether to keep Ripon Grammar School as a grammar school which selects on academic ability or to move to a comprehensive system. To date it remains the only vote on whether to abolish a grammar school in the United Kingdom under measures which had been introduced by the Labour government.
Result
1,493 voted to keep the status quo and 747 voted to move to a comprehensive system. 74.8% of those eligible to vote voted.[1] With 67% of parents backing selection the result was that Ripon continued to be a grammar school.
Challenge
Opponents of grammar schools challenged the validity of the ballot based on the fact that Ripon Grammar School had gained approval to gain specialist technology status, something it was claimed could have influenced the electorate. This appeal was rejected by then Education Secretary David Blunkett.