New schools to open in disadvantaged areas

Today it has been announced that 15 new free schools will open in the most disadvantaged areas around the country, driving up school standards and making sure every child has access to a world class education.

• Free schools and academies have been central to our work to raise school standards, with 88 per cent of schools now rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, up from 68 per cent in 2010.
• So the government has announced that fifteen more will open across the country, including three schools run by the high performing Star Academies and Eton College, located in Dudley, Teesside and Oldham. Free schools are government funded but run by an academy trust, university or industry – they have more powers to innovate to meet student’s needs and autonomy over decisions such as teachers’ pay. 
• These schools will give parents greater choice over good schools, attract fresh expertise to local areas and bring new opportunities to children from disadvantaged areas.