Free Schools
What's so free about a Free School?
Free Schools
What is a free school?
Free schools are non–profit making, all ability state-funded schools which are growing in popularity. Free schools are semi-independent and are being established by various groups including parents, charities, universities, businesses, educational groups and teachers. They are being set up in response to local demand, especially where there are not enough places in local schools and children have to travel long distances.
Once established, free schools can apply for per-head funding from the government and are subject to the same Ofsted inspections as all state schools.
Want to know more about free schools? Read our FAQs.
Could I suit a free school?
According to the Department for Education (DfE):
- Free schools give talented and committed teachers, charities, parents and education experts the opportunity to open a school to address real demand within an area.
- The proposers can respond to what local people say they want and need in order to improve education for children in their community.
- It's the parents who drive the proposal, design the vision and ethos of the school with assistance from Government educators, choose and refine the curriculum (subject to DfE approval), write the admissions policy and, with the Governors, appoint the head teacher. Start your job search today!
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