More than £20,000 was spent on each pupil in a group of free schools and academies last year, sparking accusations that the government is lavishing money on its flagship education policy.
The sums poured on primary-level free school and academy pupils in several areas of London outstripped fees at many leading private schools. Under-11s at Harris primary free school, Peckham, and Harris primary academy, Peckham Park, each cost more than £23,600 in funding in 2012-13, more than the £17,420 annual fee charged by Colet Court, the prep school that feeds St Paul’s school in London.
Figures also show that, on average, more funding was allocated to pupils in free schools and academies than to those in ordinary state schools.
Critics have expressed outrage, claiming that