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Written question asked by Nick Timothy (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 January 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Friday, 23 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Free Schools: Closures

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Written Statement of 15 December 2025 on Investment in high needs place, HCWS1163, which (a) Members of Parliament and (b) local authorities met departmental officials to discuss the status of one or more of the 28 mainstream free school projects ahead of their cancellation.

Answer

The department has engaged with trusts, local authorities and other stakeholders in relation to projects in scope of the mainstream review, including reviewing the evidence they have provided. This included all of the local authorities with a project in scope.

MPs with an interest in projects were invited to a ‘drop in’ session during the review and again following the announcement on 15 December 2025. Individual meetings with interested MPs have also taken place.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
106169
Session
2024-26
Related items
Investment in high needs places
Monday, 15 December 2025
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects
Closures Local government Members Free schools
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk