Lord David Cameron has launched a blistering assault on the Labour Government's education policy, accusing them of wielding a 'spite-laden wrecking ball' against the free schools programme. The former Conservative prime minister has implored members of the House of Lords to vote against the Government's flagship education Bill, which he brands as 'damaging and nonsensical'.
Free Schools Programme Under Threat
The controversial plans involve culling dozens of planned free school projects, a policy initiative originally introduced back in 2010. The free schools programme allows independent groups, including charities and businesses, to establish state-funded educational institutions that operate autonomously from local council management.
Lord Cameron, who was elevated to a life peer in 2023, has penned a forceful article for the Daily Telegraph, passionately defending what he describes as an 'extraordinarily successful' educational model. He highlighted the broad participation in the scheme, stating: 'Charities, great British businesses, entrepreneurs, even private schools were encouraged to bring their expertise and passion for great education into the state sector to deliver what was so desperately needed – many more good school places.'
Statistical Success and Immediate Cancellations
The former Tory leader presented compelling data to support his argument, noting that there are now over 750 free schools educating 275,000 mainstream students. He emphasised their academic outperformance, revealing: 'Better than established state schools for reading, maths, GCSE results and A levels – 28.8 per cent of pupils at free schools go on to a top-third higher education destination, compared to 26.3 per cent at all state-funded mainstream schools.'
Despite this track record, the Labour Government has proceeded with cancelling 46 planned projects, including 18 special schools, with a further 59 special and alternative provision projects now in jeopardy. Lord Cameron pointed to the cancellation of Eton's proposed Eton Star Academy in Middlesbrough as a symbolic example, accusing Labour of sending a dismissive message to aspirational families in the area.
Broader Reforms to Academy System
The education Bill extends beyond free schools to encompass significant reforms to the academy system. Under the proposed changes, academies would be required to follow the national curriculum and adhere to the same minimum pay and conditions framework as maintained schools under local authority control.
Additionally, the legislation would introduce new intervention powers enabling the Government to reassign schools from academy trusts deemed to be underperforming. Lord Cameron condemned these measures, arguing: 'Labour are systematically dismantling the freedoms that helped them to succeed. The freedoms for schools to hire the staff they need, to teach the curriculum that best serves their pupils, and for parents to choose the right school for their child, have been at the heart of cross-party success for years.'
Financial Context and Alternative Priorities
The cancellation of free school projects is projected to save approximately £600 million. These funds form part of a broader £3 billion Government initiative aimed at creating 50,000 new school places specifically for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson recently tabled an amendment to the Bill, outlining plans for Ofsted to inspect multi-academy trusts – a commitment previously made in Labour's election manifesto. These trust-wide inspections would assess educational quality, resource management, pupil wellbeing, and school improvement strategies.
Ms Phillipson defended the approach, stating: 'Every child, no matter their background, should be able to achieve and thrive, and strong schools working together through high quality trusts help make that possible. That collaboration must be matched by clear, fair accountability. Trust inspection will recognise excellence, support improvement and ensure no child is overlooked, especially those with the greatest needs.'
Nevertheless, Lord Cameron remains resolutely opposed, concluding with a stark warning: 'They are the future, which is why we must halt these damaging and nonsensical plans. The Bill reverses all of that. And it is children who will lose out.' The stage is now set for a significant parliamentary battle over the future direction of England's education system.
