Provisional GCSE results released today show that free schools are once again the highest performing school type at Progress 8, with an average score of 0.21.

This is the third year running that free schools have topped the tables.

Four free schools were ranked in the top 10 nationally: Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham; Eden Girls’ School, Coventry; Michaela Community School in London; and William Perkin Church of England High School in London.

Today’s Key Stage 5 results also highlight the success of the free schools policy. The percentage of students gaining AAB at A-Level was 23.3%, compared to 18.7% across the state-funded sector. The percentage of students gaining 3 A*-A grades or better at A-Level was 15.1%, compared to 11.1% across the state-funded sector and the average point score (APS) per entry was 34.7, compared to 32.9 across the state-funded sector.

Unity Howard, Director of New Schools Network, said: 

"It is fantastic to see free schools continue to perform highly at Key Stages 4 and 5. These fantastic results show free schools are spreading educational excellence and unlocking young people’s potential, bringing new ideas and driving improvement in our education system. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers and governors who work so hard to make free schools such a success.

"Free schools have the power to transform the lives of the children who attend them. That’s why we need many more in areas which have been left behind, to spread educational opportunity where it is needed most.”