The government in England has made the decision to halt the opening of 44 new state schools, including three sixth-form colleges supported by Eton, in order to assess the demand and value for money of each school. This pause will impact secondary and primary schools that were approved under the “free school” application process initiated by Michael Gove in 2010.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson informed parliament of the review that will be conducted on the approved schools that have not yet opened, excluding special schools and alternative provision. The focus of the review will be on determining if these schools are necessary to meet the local demand for places and if they provide value for taxpayers’ money. Additionally, consideration will be given to whether these projects offer a unique curriculum and how they may affect existing local educational providers.
The Department for Education has indicated that more information regarding the affected school projects and the review’s scope will be released in the future. Among the schools awaiting approval are three sixth forms proposed through a partnership between Eton College and the Star Academies trust, scheduled to open in late 2026.
While the government’s decision may be disappointing for school trusts that have dedicated time and effort to the application process, it is crucial to understand the rationale behind the review. With a projected 12% decrease in pupil numbers over the next decade due to a declining birthrate, there is a greater emphasis on consolidating schools, particularly primary schools, rather than opening new ones in various parts of England.
Leora Cruddas, the chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, acknowledged the frustration that school trusts may feel but stressed the importance of comprehending the review process. It is essential to gain a better understanding of why these 44 mainstream projects are being reassessed and what criteria will be used to evaluate their necessity and effectiveness.
As the government aims to ensure that children receive quality education in schools that are truly needed and financially viable, the review of these proposed state schools is a significant step towards improving the educational landscape in England. By redirecting resources towards existing schools and addressing issues such as infrastructure and resources, the education system can better serve the needs of students and communities across the country.
