Mark Whitehead 31 May 2018

Free schools ‘failing’ to offer innovative approaches to education, study reveals

Free schools are failing to fulfil their original objectives of offering innovative approaches to education and are not educating enough disadvantaged children, according to researchers.

The National Foundation for Educational Research and the Sutton Trust say the Government should review the free schools programme, launched in 2010, and clarify their mission.

They say instead of being parent-led, an increasing number are being set up by multi-academy chains.

Only a third of the 135 free primary schools and 29% of secondaries in England have adopted a novel approach to teaching and learning.

The research shows that only 13% of children at free primary schools are eligible for free school meals compared to 16% in their catchment areas.

Peter Lampl, founder of the Sutton Trust, said: 'Free schools were supposed to bring new and innovative providers into the education sector, to drive up standards and improve school choice.

'But as our research shows, very few are fulfilling that original purpose.

'Our research finds that while free schools are often located in disadvantaged areas both primary and secondary free schools have lower proportions of disadvantaged pupils than their catchment areas.

'This is unacceptable. Free schools need to make serious efforts to recruit more students from disadvantaged backgrounds.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner