UK Free schools 'harm education of children nearby'

Richard Garner:

The Government's flagship free schools are seriously damaging the education of children in neighbouring schools, according to research published today.

Analysis of those free schools already approved by the Education Secretary, Michael Gove, reveals that many have been set up in areas where existing schools already have surplus places.

Their arrival has caused a loss of pupils for existing comprehensives - threatening their viability, says the report. In one school - an academy highly rated by Ofsted, the education standards watchdog - the headteacher estimated he will lose £1m a year as a result of a new free school being set up.

So far, 24 free schools have been opened by the Government - run by parents, teachers and faith groups. A further 70 will open in the next 12 months.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at April 13, 2012 1:23 AM
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