09/03/2015

PM Pledges To Open 500 Free Schools

The Prime Minister has pledges to open a further 500 free schools if the Conservative Party is re-elected.

At a speech in London today, Monday, Mr Cameron will promise to create an additional 27,000 places at state-funded schools by 2020.

He will say: "If you vote Conservative, you will see the continuation of the free schools programme at the rate you've seen in the last three years.

"That means, over the next parliament, we hope to open at least 500 new free schools resulting in 270,000 new school places. Remember – we're the only party that is committed to this. The only party that's opening up the education system so we can get more good places for your children."

Mr Cameron is also expected to use research published by think tank Policy Exchange to support his claims.

Policy Exchange claims that since former education secretary Michael Gove set up the programme in 2012, free schools have improved the performances of nearby schools based on exam results.

(CD/IT)

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