Applications for at least six new “elite” sixth forms have been lodged in the latest wave of free school bids – in areas where ministers want to boost standards.
More details have also emerged of two bids for new university technical colleges in England. A third UTC is also in the pipeline.
The Department for Education published a list of more than 60 applications shortly before Christmas for wave 15 of the free school programme. Just 15 of these are expected to be approved.
Among the bids for new elite sixth forms are three “unashamedly academic” Eton and Star Academies colleges proposed in Dudley, Oldham and Teesside.
