Story perspectives

£325 Million Lost on Failed Free Schools Amid Backlog

12/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Data from a freedom of information request shows Conservative governments spent £325 million on 67 free schools that later failed due to low demand.
Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, the government allocated over £10 billion for new schools and £6.8 billion for rebuilding, creating a backlog of deteriorating buildings.
Meg Powell-Chandler of the New Schools Network says free schools have improved standards and urges 44 pending projects to aid underserved areas.

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Story summary

Data from a freedom of information request shows Conservative governments spent £325 million on 67 free schools that later failed due to low demand.
Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, the government allocated over £10 billion for new schools and £6.8 billion for rebuilding, creating a backlog of deteriorating buildings.
Meg Powell-Chandler of the New Schools Network says free schools have improved standards and urges 44 pending projects to aid underserved areas.