Parkfield School, emblematic of free schools policy struggles, is to close

The airport site of Parkfield School.

One of the most tortuous sagas of the free schools era is drawing to a close, as it emerged today that an institution which has cost more than £20 million but has always struggled for pupils is to close.

Parkfield School, which is recent years has operated next to Bournemouth airport under the control of the Reach South academy chain, announced the news against the backdrop of a financial deficit which has been increasing.

The school is to close for all year groups except the current year 10 at the end of this academic year next month, I understand with the current year 10 at present lined up to complete their GCSEs at the school next year.

The school, which has been operating as an all-through institution for 4- to 16-year-olds after opening in 2013, had cost the taxpayer, as of three years ago, £20 million in premises overheads alone. However, as of January this year it had only 368 pupils.