Free schools attracted 50% more applications per school place than council ones, according to a study by the New Schools Network.
The figures reveal secondary free schools attracted an average of 3.5 applications per place, compared to 2.3 applications per place at council-run schools. For primary schools, this figure was 3.3 applications per place compared to 2.4 for maintained schools.
The group also said the study shows more parents are choosing free schools as their first choice.
Nick Timothy, director of New Schools Network said: ‘What’s apparent is that parents are voting with their feet, picking free schools over council-run schools, at both primary and secondary phases.
‘This flight to free schools clearly shows that parents are looking for new and better schools for their children. We need even more new free schools to meet this demand; they are demonstrably better placed to give parents what they want, giving more control to headteachers, teachers and governors, rather than politicians and bureaucrats.’
