Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the oral Answer of 20 January 2014 from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Planning, Official Report, column 7, on major developments (new schools), what scope there is for organisations other than local education authorities to be involved in the design, planning and sponsorship of new build primary and secondary schools in major new residential developments.

Any group or organisation can apply to the Department for Education to set up a free school. If approved, the proposers and any group members are involved in all aspects of project planning and design of the school. 175 free schools, 17 UTCs and 28 studio schools have been opened by groups including existing schools, academy sponsors, parents, teachers and community groups. A number of these have been in major new residential developments.