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On 23rd February 2026 the Government published the Schools White Paper which includes plans to halve the attainment gap. Responding Director of the New Schools Network, Meg Powell-Chandler said: NSN welcomes the ambition in Every Child Achieving and Thriving to raise standards, close gaps for disadvantaged pupils and children with SEND, and spread evidence-informed practice… Continue reading New Schools Network responds to the Government’s Schools White Paper
New analysis from New Schools Network shows AP free schools outperform other state-funded provision – but uncertainty to the AP free school pipeline risks leaving vulnerable pupils without high-quality places. The report finds that: Demand is rising rapidly across primary, secondary and post-16 – yet limited state-funded capacity forces local authorities to rely on independent… Continue reading New report shows vulnerable pupils are missing out on vital Alternative Provision places because of free schools review
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
