Nursery World - DfE opens bids for next wave of free schools

The Department for Education has launched the bidding round for the next wave of free schools, targeted at areas in need of new mainstream schools.

More than 500 free schools have opened since 2010 with more than 220 set to open in the next few years, the Government said.

The news follows the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that the Government is to invest over £14 billion in primary and secondary education between now and 2022/23.

The Government hopes to select up to 30 schools through Wave 14, subject to the quality of bids.

Free schools are new schools set up by parents, teachers, charities, academy sponsors and existing schools in response to demand from the local community.

However, teaching unions oppose free schools and believe that local authorities should be allowed to set up new maintained schools in areas that need them.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included