In the news: Prime minister announces launch of 18 new free schools (2/9/2015)

David Cameron has launched 18 new free schools, and has said he will not relax his free schools election commitment. However, critics have suggested that the academy and free school policy is "ideological" and not supported by evidence.

Last reviewed on 2 September 2015
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Prime minister David Cameron has announced the launch of 18 more free schools, BBC News reports.

The new schools will be an addition to the 252 already open, and the 52 due to open this term.

The article quotes Mr Cameron as saying that the schools will help to create more places at 'good' and 'outstanding' schools, reassuring parents that their children are getting a good education.

Schools Week reports that Mr Cameron has said he will "not waver" from his commitment to open 500 more free schools. However, the article relays claims by NUT general secretary Christine Blower that the academy and free school programme is "ideological", and that evidence suggests it will