Abstract
A review of American charter schools and Swedish free school research is outlined providing strong evidence that both free market models are flawed in their claims of enhancing young peoples' educational experience. A substantial body of work is included strongly indicating charter and free schools increase social segregation and lower educational attainment. It is also agued that the rationale and commitment to competition undermines cooperation between schools and reinforces class differentiation suggesting the argument that the model facilitates choice is a misnomer. It is also argued their inception in the UK are, like the academies model, driven by a narrow ideological stance and should be replaced by a non-selective, state funded, comprehensive school model accessible to all.