LAs able to bid for new free schools

Up to 75 new free schools - including sixth forms, specialist schools and alternative provision - will be created across England, the government has announced.

The first 60 special and alternative provision free schools will begin opening from September 2025, creating approximately 4,500 new places. Local authorities will be able to bid for the special schools with funding allocated to the areas with the highest need.

Up to 15 new mainstream free schools, including a number of standalone sixth forms, will be created in local authority areas where outcomes for pupils are currently weakest.

New alternative provision schools will help to keep those who have been excluded, or are at risk of exclusion, engaged in education.

Local authorities will be able to bid for the special schools with funding allocated to the areas with the highest need. Applicant groups have until 16 September to register their interest.

Education secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:

"From mainstream education which can provide for every need, to specialist teachers and equipment in tailored settings, our new schools across the country will continue to make sure that every child, in every corner of the country, gets the support they need to succeed."

Guidance about the process for applicants has been published on Gov.uk for special free schools, alternative provision free schools and and mainstream free schools.