News & Updates

The New Schools Network celebrates the success of free school pupils in 2026 GCSE results

The New Schools Network celebrates the success of free school pupils getting the top grades at A level

Following Andy Burnham's announcements on education reform, NSN Director Meg Powell-Chandler argues that devolution needs to empower schools, not give them another layer of bureaucracy

Meg Powell-Chandler, Director of NSN, joined Tom Richmond and the 'Inside your Ed' podcast to discuss what a new Prime Minister could mean for schools.

The New Schools Network’s Innovation Pilot Programme will invest in solutions to two of the most stubborn barriers in education, explains Meg Powell-Chandler

Despite the pressure to reconsider, the majority of councils have chosen to press ahead with their special or AP free school projects

NSN response to the Schools White Paper

Report warns that delaying the pipeline of new AP free schools risks more students being placed in unregistered alternative provision

Delaying proposals could force vulnerable pupils into fragmented and poorly regulated settings, charity warns

New analysis from New Schools Network shows AP free schools outperform other state-funded provision

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill has been stuck in Parliament for a year and yet key problems remain within the legislation, argues Meg Powell-Chandler

NSN Director appeared on LBC to discuss the cancellation of free school projects

The Government have cancelled a number of free school projects

Delays and confusion over the opening of new free schools is putting pupil outcomes at risk, argues Meg Powell-Chandler

Welcome focus on knowledge and professional autonomy but making the curriculum compulsory for all schools reduces innovation by design

The Times recognise that "Free schools work"

New Schools Network research quoted in powerful article about free school projects

Free schools outperform other state funded schools by 3 percentage points

Free schools outperform other state-funded schools by 6 percentage points

Pupils have higher attendance, higher attainment and more likely to take A levels