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 results were grade 4 and above at free schools, compared to 66.5% at all state funded centres.
This outstanding performance demonstrates the excellence and effectiveness of the free school model in preparing young people for their next steps.
Following her comments today, the New Schools Network welcomes the Education Secretary’s focus on improving the outcomes for white working-class pupils in our education system. Whilst performance is not broken down by school type, free schools are more likely to support their FSM students to achieve a strong pass in English or Maths.
New Schools Network warmly congratulates every student, teacher, and headteacher involved in this achievement. These results underline how free schools are empowering students to exceed expectations.
Meg Powell-Chandler, Director of the New Schools Network, said:
“These results show that free schools work. They reflect the dedication and hard work of students and teachers across free schools.
“Parents, teachers and pupils deserve a system that builds on success – not one that holds it back. With the Schools Bill seeking to remove many freedoms that have contributed to free school success, we will continue our campaign to fix the Bill to protect what works in the education system.”
Examples of free school successes include:
- Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School, an outstanding free school in Blackburn, saw 80% of its students receive a strong pass (grade 5) in GCSE English and maths [link]
- Bedford Free School, an outstanding free school in Bedford, was 93% of pupils get a grade 4 or above in English and 75% achieved a grade 4 or above in Maths [link]
Impact of Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill on free schools
- The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill threatens the freedoms that have driven school improvement over the last 15 years.
- The Bill disempowers school leaders, shifting power to Whitehall, the Secretary of State and local authorities.
- To see NSN’s full briefing on the Bill click here.
- Take action to Fix the Schools Bill by writing to your MP here