DfE: Durham Free School 'not delivering high standard of education'

After carefully considering all of the issues and representations I have received, I have taken the decision to proceed with the closure of Durham Free School. The Department for Education operates on the basis that the interests of children must come first and it is clear that the school is not delivering the high standard of education that parents and I expect. It is also clear that there is no imminent prospect of improvement and I am not prepared to let any child remain in a failing school. While I know this decision will mean some upheaval for those pupils still in attendance, I am confident that it is the right thing to do. We are already working with the local authority to ensure every child is found a suitable place at another local school.