On 12th December 2025 the Government announced the future of the free schools pipeline – the outcome of the review of 44 mainstream projects and also whether a number of special and AP free schools were to be supported going forward.
The Government announced:
- 16 mainstream free school projects will go ahead.
- 28 mainstream free school projects are cancelled.
- 15 special and AP free schools projects will go ahead.
- 18 special and AP free school projects are cancelled. Where a local authority has successfully bid for a special or AP free schools but has not yet appointed a Trust it will be given the funding directly.
- 59 special and AP free schools in the pipeline are uncertain. The Local Authority where the project is planned will have a choice about whether to proceed with the project or use the money themselves to create places.
Many groups have invested time, energy and money to create new free schools that meet local need.
Cancelling 28 mainstream projects, 18 special school projects and leaving so many other vital special and AP schools in limbo is hugely disappointing for communities and pupils.
Director of New Schools Network, Meg Powell-Chandler said:
“Free schools work. Mainstream free schools expand opportunities for pupils and deliver excellent results. Special and AP free schools do the same, while also meeting pressing local needs for specialist provision at a time of rising demand.
“We welcome the Government’s confirmation that some mainstream, special and alternative provision free school projects will proceed. However, we regret the decision to cancel a number of projects, and remain concerned that uncertainty persists for 77 vital special and AP free school proposals that would provide much-needed, high-quality specialist places.”
The updated free school pipeline can be found here.