Bolton Conservatives have welcomed the announcement that families in Bolton will benefit from a secondary free school that has now been approved by the Government. Kings Leadership Academy, Farnworth, is among 21 new free schools that will delivered as part of the Government’s free school programme, which has delivered hundreds of free schools since it launched in 2010.
Students learn best when they are challenged and nurtured, and free schools are an important part of the Government’s continued mission to raise educational standards and close the attainment gap across England.These state funded non-profit schools can be set up, and run, by teachers, parents and community groups in response to demands for better education provision in their communities.
Since the programme first launched, it has helped raise educational standards across England, with more than 80 per cent of free schools rated good or outstanding by Ofsted–meaning more children can benefit from learning in an excellent local school.
Ten of the new schools announced will open in some of the most deprived areas–including three in Opportunity Areas, where the Department for Education works to eliminate barriers which can prevent young people from achieving their full potential.
In total the 21 free schools will deliver over 15,500 new school places, which will allow parents more choice of a good school in their local communities. These new schools will help contribute to raising education standards across the country, and give thousands of students the word-class education they deserve–delivering on the Government’s commitment to level up opportunity and build Britain back better and fairer from the pandemic.
Commenting, Cllr Anne Galloway, Executive Cabinet Member for Children's Services:
I am delighted that families across Bolton will benefit from the creation of new good quality school places that Kings Leadership Academy, Farnworth will bring. Delivering a word-class education system is at the heart of our efforts to level up opportunity across the country, and by ensuring every child gets a good education, we can help them unleash their potential
Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson MP, said:
Today we are launching the first phase of our ambitious new schools programme, with 50 rebuilds and 21 new free schools.
The rebuilding projects are just the start of our major ten-year programme, transforming hundreds of schools and improving the education of tens of thousands of children. Alongside this, over 15,500 children will now benefit from 21 new free schools across the country as we look to build back better after the pandemic.
I am determined to get all children back into education as soon as possible, and will make sure we do not let the pandemic stand in the way of giving every young person the opportunity to succeed, progress and fulfil their potential
