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 – but uncertainty to the AP free school pipeline risks leaving vulnerable pupils without high-quality places.

The upcoming Schools White Paper should ensure that all pupils in Alternative Provision be registered at a state funded school, supported by national standards on expectations and quality a report will say today (Thursday 12 February 2026).

A new report from New Schools Network warns that pausing the 20 AP free school projects could leave more children placed in unregistered or low-quality provision, despite clear evidence that AP free schools deliver better attendance, stronger inspection outcomes and improved post-16 destinations than other forms of state-funded AP.

The report finds that:

• Demand for AP has increased by 31.8% in three years, across primary, secondary and post-16.

• Fewer than 17,000 pupils areeducated in state-funded AP schools, forcing local authorities to rely on independent or unregistered provision.

• AP free schools have lower absence levels and secure stronger post 16 outcomes than other state-funded AP.

The Director of the New Schools Network, Meg Powell-Chandler said:

“The 20 free school projects in the pipeline have already been delayed, leaving vulnerable children without the specialist support they need. They need to be opened as soon as possible.

“High-quality AP schools are not a retreat from inclusion, but a necessary part of an inclusive system for pupils whose needs cannot be met elsewhere. AP free schools outperform other types of state-funded Alternative Provision, with better attendance and stronger outcomes post-16. They are doing exactly what the system needs them to do.

“Reform is needed so that every pupil in Alternative Provision is in a state-funded school, with clear standards, strong accountability and a focus on sustainable outcomes.”

The report calls on the Government to use the forthcoming Schools White Paper to:

• Approve and swiftly open the 20 AP free schools that were approved in 2024 and are currently under consideration by Local Authorities following the Government’s offer of alternative funding.

• Make sure no young person in Alternative Provision is placed in unsuitable or low-quality provision, by ensuring that Local Authorities can only discharge their section 19 duty by placing a pupil in a state funded school alongside introducing national standards and better data for AP.

• Expand high-quality state-funded Alternative Provision capacity, including at primary and post-16.

Without action, the report warns that rising demand will continue to push vulnerable pupils into fragmented and poorly regulated provision - undermining both inclusion and long-term outcomes.