News and Updates List

GCSEs 2026: Free schools hit top grades

The New Schools Network celebrates the success of free school pupils in 2026 GCSE results

A level results 2026: Free schools hit top grades

The New Schools Network celebrates the success of free school pupils getting the top grades at A level

The best schools have autonomy – don’t take it away

Following Andy Burnham's announcements on education reform, NSN Director Meg Powell-Chandler argues that devolution needs to empower schools, not give them another layer of bureaucracy

What might Andy Burnham in No.10 mean for schools in England? (Podcast)

Meg Powell-Chandler, Director of NSN, joined Tom Richmond and the 'Inside your Ed' podcast to discuss what a new Prime Minister could mean for schools.

The New Schools Network’s Innovation Pilot Programme will invest in solutions to two of the most stubborn barriers in education

The New Schools Network’s Innovation Pilot Programme will invest in solutions to two of the most stubborn barriers in education, explains Meg Powell-Chandler

Councils’ support of specialist free schools is proof they play a crucial role

Despite the pressure to reconsider, the majority of councils have chosen to press ahead with their special or AP free school projects

New Schools Network responds to the Government’s Schools White Paper

NSN response to the Schools White Paper

Call to create new national standards for AP

Report warns that delaying the pipeline of new AP free schools risks more students being placed in unregistered alternative provision

Children at risk after Labour shelves plans for 20 free schools

Delaying proposals could force vulnerable pupils into fragmented and poorly regulated settings, charity warns

New report shows vulnerable pupils are missing out on vital Alternative Provision places because of free schools review

New analysis from New Schools Network shows AP free schools outperform other state-funded provision