Church of England plans to open 125 more free schools in five years

The Church of England has released a report, entitled Vision for Education, which details its role in future education, describing the Free Schools movement as a ‘unique opportunity for the Church of England to renew and enhance its contribution to the education of our nation’s children.’

The report says its vision for education "is hospitable to diversity, respects freedom of religion and belief, and encourages others to contribute from the depths of their own traditions and understandings.”

The new schools would be largely secondaries in areas where there is pressure on places, says CoE spokeswoman

The Church of England is already the largest single provider of schools and academies in England, educating about a million pupils in 4,700 schools.