Free schools and academies focus of Lords debate

A group of students in a school classroom facing away from the camera. One student in the centre has raised their hand

On Thursday 23 January, members of the House of Lords will consider the achievements of free schools and academies.

Debate

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park (Conservative), former director of the New Schools Network, will put forward the debate. 

This is a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.     

Members speaking 

Members speaking in the debate include:

Baroness Barran (Conservative), shadow minister for education
Baroness Evans of Bowes Park (Conservative), former director of New Schools Network
Lord Hampton (Crossbench), teacher at Mossbourne Community Academy, Hackney Downs
Lord Nash (Conservative), director of Future Academies.

Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour), Minister of State for Education, will respond on behalf of the government.

Get involved 

Watch and read the debate  

Watch live on Parliament TV or read the Lords Hansard transcript (available from three hours after the debate).

Explore background information  

Find out more about the issues the debate covers in the House of Lords Library briefing.
Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.

Image: Adobe Stock