Free schools 'raising standards for pupils'

A newly-published report says competition from free schools, which are state-funded but independent and free from local authority control, is forcing other schools at both primary and secondary level nearby to "up their game".

But the head of Shropshire's only free school said today he was "uncomfortable" discussing its possible impact on other establishments nearby.

However John Newton, head of Barrow 1618 C of E Primary School in Broseley, said the fact Barrow was ranked as the seventh best in Shropshire in recent league tables was evidence that it is providing a good education for its pupils.

He said: "My view wholeheartedly is that all schools, irrespective of their status, should be striving to cater for the communities they serve.

"We are set in a rural community where many children are likely to go on to careers within that rural community. But there will also be children in our schools who will go on to jobs in banking and computing and careers associated with city schools. We strive to use the freedom and flexibility we have to provide an educational experience that lends itself to either path.

"That, to an extent, is the most important thing all schools in the country ought to be doing."

Research pointing to the impact of free schools was conducted by the "think tank" Policy Exchange, which looked at results in the three geographically closest "similar" schools to the 171 relevant free schools opened so far.

The study found the competitive effect created by a free school leads to improved academic standards in nearby under-performing schools.

But the National Union of Teachers said it did not accept the conclusions of the report.

Prime Minister David Cameron said 49 new free schools would be opening across the country, a move which he said would bring the total number of free school places created since 2010 to almost a quarter of a million.

In total more than 400 free schools have been approved since 2010, creating more than 230,000 school places across the country.

Mr Cameron said: "Delivering the best schools and skills for young people is a crucial part of our long term economic plan to secure a better future for Britain. Free schools set up by teachers, parents and community groups are not only outperforming other schools, but they are raising the performance of those around them."