In an unexpected turn of events, the UK government has pressed pause on plans to establish 44 new state schools across England. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced that each proposed school will undergo a thorough review to determine if it meets the needs of its local community and offers good value for taxpayers’ money.
The affected schools, which had previously been approved under the “free school” application process introduced by former Education Secretary Michael Gove in 2010, include both mainstream secondary and primary institutions. Notably, three sixth form colleges backed by the prestigious Eton College are among those now facing uncertainty.
Assessing Demand and Value
Explaining her decision to Parliament, Phillipson emphasized the importance of ensuring that any new schools align with the actual educational needs of their surrounding areas. She stated:
“We will look at whether [the schools] meet a need for places in their local area and offer value for taxpayers’ money. We will also take into account whether projects would provide a distinctive curriculum and any impact on existing local providers.”
– Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary
While special schools and alternative provision institutions are exempt from the review, mainstream schools will face scrutiny. The Department for Education has pledged to release more details on the affected projects and the scope of the assessment in due course.
Eton Partnership Schools in Limbo
Among the schools now in limbo are three innovative sixth form colleges proposed as a partnership between the renowned Eton College and the Star Academies trust. These institutions, planned for Dudley, Middlesbrough, and Oldham, were slated to open their doors in late 2026.
A spokesperson for the Eton-Star partnership expressed their unwavering commitment to the long-term vision of enhancing social mobility for young people nationwide. They affirmed:
“Eton and Star are totally committed to the Eton Star partnership in the long term and its vision of working to improve social mobility for young people across the country. We have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline.”
– Spokesperson, Eton-Star Partnership
Addressing Wasted Funding and School Conditions
Phillipson pointed to past instances of free schools opened under the Conservative government that resulted in squandered funding. She cited National Audit Office figures indicating that mainstream free schools launched between 2015 and 2021 would generate 57,500 unfilled student places.
The Education Secretary hinted that any savings from the school review could be redirected towards addressing the deteriorating condition of existing schools and colleges. This suggests a potential shift in priorities, with a focus on improving current educational facilities rather than expanding the school system.
Navigating Declining Student Numbers
The decision to pause new school openings comes at a time when England’s student population is projected to shrink by 12% over the next decade, largely due to falling birth rates. Local authorities in London and other regions are grappling with the prospect of closing schools, particularly primary institutions, rather than establishing new ones.
Leora Cruddas, chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, acknowledged the frustration felt by school trusts that have invested years of effort into the application process. However, she emphasized the importance of understanding more about the review process and its implications.
Conclusion
The government’s decision to pause the opening of 44 new state schools in England marks a significant shift in educational policy. By subjecting each proposed school to a rigorous review, the Education Secretary aims to ensure that scarce resources are allocated wisely and in line with genuine community needs.
As the Department for Education prepares to release further details on the affected projects and the scope of the assessment, stakeholders in the education sector will be watching closely. The outcome of this review could have far-reaching implications for the future shape of England’s school system, as well as the government’s priorities in the face of declining student numbers and aging educational infrastructure.
