NSN Director, Meg Powell-Chandler appeared on LBC’s Drive programme on Friday 12 December to discuss the Government’s free schools pipeline announcement.
NSN Director, Meg Powell-Chandler appeared on LBC’s Drive programme on Friday 12 December to discuss the Government’s free schools pipeline announcement.
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: Many groups have invested time, energy and money to create new… Continue reading NSN responds to the Government’s review of the free school pipeline
In TES on 2 December 2025 Director of New Schools Network, Meg Powell-Chandler, argued that delays and confusion over the opening of new free schools is putting pupil outcomes at risk. Just as evidence of free school success became clearer, the government paused 44 mainstream free school projects, citing concerns about “oversupply” potentially harming existing… Continue reading ‘Government’s confused free school policy is harming outcomes’
We commend Professor Becky Francis and the Curriculum and Assessment Review panel for their evidence-based work and commitment to a knowledge-rich curriculum, high standards for all pupils and professional autonomy for teachers – principles behind many of the most successful Free schools have consistently demonstrated what is possible when teachers are trusted to design ambitious,… Continue reading New Schools Network comments on the final Curriculum and Assessment Review
On Monday 3rd November the Times ran a leader column supporting out pressing the Government to approve the 44 free school projects that they currently have under review. The column referenced statistics highlighted by New Schools Network on the comparable performance of free schools. Read the leading article here For more details on the Government review… Continue reading Times leader: Labour should approve new free schools without further delay
On Saturday 1 November, Times columnist Sebastian Payne quoted New Schools Network research on A level results as part of his argument that the Eton Star 16-19 free school in Middlesborough should be approved by the Government. The Eton Star colleges are three of the 44 free school projects that have been put on pause… Continue reading Bridget Phillipson must let Eton build its schools in the north
As students across England receive their GSCE and Level 2 results, the New Schools Network celebrates the fantastic results achieved across free schools. According to Ofqual’s data on GCSE outcomes by centre type 23.7% of results at free schools were graded 7 or above — significantly surpassing the state-funded average of 20.7%. Over 70% of… Continue reading GCSEs 2025: Free schools hit top grades
As students across England receive their A level, T level and vocation qualification results, the New Schools Network celebrates the fantastic results achieved across free schools. According to Ofqual’s data on A-Level outcomes by centre type 31.3% of results at free schools were graded A or above — significantly surpassing the state-funded average of 25.2%.… Continue reading A levels 2025: Free schools hit top grades
New research from The National Foundation for Educational Research shows that pupils attending a secondary free school, including those in deprived areas get higher attainment at GCSE, have a lower absence rate and are more likely to take A levels. This research, funded by the UK Research and Innovation and carried out by NFER in… Continue reading NFER research shows free schools work