GSCE results show council-run schools outperform free schools

The figures found that the average local authority maintained school had 55 per cent of pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades in GCSEs, while free schools had 50.5 per cent of pupils achieving the same result.

The data also shows that converted academies, which were high performing schools, upgraded into academy status had 63 per cent of pupils achieving 5 +A*-C grades.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said: “Converter academies are leading the way in strong academic standards and over time we will see the excellence and expertise of strong sponsors spread.

“As well as raising standards, our plan for education is ensuring more pupils leave school with the qualifications which we know will give them the best possible chance to achieve their full potential."

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