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
TOWN Hall chiefs are planning to slash places at top performing academy schools with new powers handed down by Labour, education leaders have warned. Ministers are giving local authorities bigger control in setting pupil numbers at free schools and academies as part of sweeping curbs on academy freedoms.er of compelling content. By taking advantage of… Continue reading Town Hall chiefs planning to slash places at top performing academy schools under new Labour powers
The new director of the New Schools Network outlines why she hopes the government reverses course on the efforts to curtail academy freedoms. There has been a lot of commentary around the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill – which returns to Parliament today – some political, some educational. While the education secretary says she relishes… Continue reading Why freedom is key to academies’ success. Let’s keep it that way
The New Schools Network has appointed an ex-Downing Street and DfE special adviser as its director to fight for academy freedoms and free schools. The government’s education reforms could turn “back the clock” by removing academy freedoms, a charity that advocates for free schools is warning.
