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Commons2nd readingView on Parliament.uk

Schools Bill

A Bill to enable schools to select pupils on the basis of published criteria; to allow schools to determine maximum class sizes; to remove restrictions on the expansion of the number of pupils in schools and on the creation of new schools; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Last Updated

15 March 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Schools Bill would let schools admit pupils based on published criteria, and allow them to set maximum class sizes. It also removes restrictions on expanding pupil numbers and opening new schools, along with related changes to education policy. It is currently at the Commons 2nd Reading stage, but in March 2025 it moved on to the Report Stage where eight amendments were debated and defeated in the votes shown.

Key Points

  • Allows schools to select pupils using published criteria.
  • Lets schools determine maximum class sizes.
  • Removes restrictions on expanding pupil numbers and opening new schools.
  • Includes other related education provisions.
  • Eight Report Stage amendments were debated and defeated (no amendments passed).

Progress

The bill is in the Commons and has reached the Report Stage, where eight amendments were considered and rejected. It would then move on to further scrutiny in the Lords if it clears the Commons.

Voting

In the eight listed votes at Report Stage, amendments were defeated. Across parties, Conservative MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour (e.g., Conservative: 463 Aye, 0 No), while Labour (Co-op) and most opposition groups voted against (e.g., Labour: 8 Aye, 2215 No). Smaller parties and independents voted variably, with mixed results in some groups.

Who is affected?

Pupils (current and prospective)Parents and carersSchool staff and teachersSchools and school governing bodiesLocal authorities and education plannersLocal communities affected by school expansion or new school openingsProspective pupils and their families in affected areas

Generated 21 February 2026

How Parties Are Voting

Based on 8 recorded votes • Sorted by % Aye

ConservativeGenerally For
463 / 0
Liberal DemocratGenerally For
295 / 0
Traditional Unionist VoiceGenerally For
7 / 0
Ulster Unionist PartyGenerally For
5 / 0
Reform UKGenerally For
29 / 3
Democratic Unionist PartyGenerally For
18 / 4
IndependentMixed
23 / 21
Green PartyMixed
6 / 11
Your PartyMixed
2 / 4
Labour (Co-op)Generally Against
8 / 2215
Social Democratic & Labour PartyGenerally Against
0 / 1
Plaid CymruMixed
0 / 0
Scottish National PartyMixed
0 / 0
Sinn FéinMixed
0 / 0
SpeakerMixed
0 / 0
AllianceMixed
0 / 0

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Schools

1 Jan 1970
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (8)