DfE statistics show 96,000 extra school places created last academic year

Statistics from the Department for Education released on March 28 show that an additional 96,000 new school places have been created across England in the Academic year 2017-2018.

This takes the total number of new school places created since 2010, when the Conservatives returned to power under David Cameron, to 921,000.

According to the Government, this puts it on track to deliver an extra one million school places nationwide in the decade to 2020 and reverses a reduction of 100,000 school places between 2004 and 2010.

The DfE also reported that school standards have risen, with 85 per cent of schools now judged good or outstanding. This is up from 68% in 2010.

Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds said:

"Many of the places have been created in the academies and free schools that now educate more than 50% of children in state-funded schools in England – with standards rising faster in many sponsored academies than in similar council-run schools."

Responding to the announcement, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:

“Councils have an excellent history of ensuring a sufficient number of good school places are available.

“It is good that school standards are rising but, while there are examples of successful sponsor-led conversions to academy status, the evidence shows that converting to an academy is not always the best solution for a struggling school.

“As well as improving standards in all schools, councils have an excellent track record in turning around failing schools, with 9 out of 10 council-maintained schools now rated as good or outstanding – compared to 8 out of 10 for academies.

“This is a demonstrable record that councils are doing everything they can to rise to the challenge of ensuring every child has a school place and receives an excellent education.

“The Government should recognise and credit the unique role of councils in school place creation and improvement and should give councils the necessary powers to ensure they continue to play a leading role in providing school places for children.”