Over 130 free schools approved by parliament

Thousands of new school places will be created across the country following the largest wave of free schools approvals

The Department for Education (DfE) has approved applications for 131 new schools which will create more than 69,000 places.

These schools will be led by a grammar-school-led multi-academy trust (MAT) and the largest state boarding school in the country, demonstrating how existing high-performing schools can help raise attainment more widely, as set out in the government’s education proposals.

Schools approved include the 1,500-place non-selective Barton Court Academy Trust Free School in Canterbury, proposed by Barton Court Grammar School, and Sapientia Primary Prep School, proposed by the trust which runs Wymondham College - the largest state boarding school in England.

Greening said: “We need schools that can bring out the best in every single child no matter where they’re growing up, how much their parents earn, or however different their talents are.

“That’s why these new schools are so important - they give us the school places we need for the future, and they also give parents more choices to find a great school place in their area that’s right for their child.”