One in eight schools which opened under the free school banner went on either to close completely or were transferred to another academy trust, says the National Education Union.
Unless more secondary school places are created, 15 councils will face a secondary school place shortfall in 2020/21, says the Local Government Association.
National Education Union says the fact that so many schools are effectively in limbo is 'a searing indictment of the dysfunctional academies and free schools policies.'
Thousands of children face missing out on a secondary school place in the next five years with more than half of all councils in England at risk of not being able to meet demand, according to new analysis by the Local Government Association.
Free schools are failing to fulfil the programme’s original purpose of offering innovative and parent-led approaches to the curriculum, says a new report.
The Accord Coalition has welcomed the Government’s new integration strategy, but urged it to recognise the damaging role being played by faith schools that are discriminatory and segregatory.
A group of religious leaders, parliamentarians, education experts, and prominent public figures have signed a joint letter calling on the new Education Secretary Damian Hinds to reconsider a proposal to allow fully segregated intakes in new and existing religious free schools.