Has anyone else's child been allocated a free school?

[MeganChips]

Along with everyone else we got our secondary school allocation today and it's a free school.

The options were:

• One that's outstanding but way out of catchment
  
• Local free school which is only in it's 3rd year
  
• Local secondary that's not great
  

There are other schools in the area but too difficult for her to get to alone, we only have one car and I can't take her there.

It was our 2nd choice but now I'm feeling a bit undecided. It's part of a group where all the other schools they have set up are good or outstanding on first inspection. This is small, seems to be doing ok and is spitting distance.

The problem is that a) it has no history and b) doesn't yet have a permanent site. They are looking to move it but the favoured site hasn't yet been confirmed.

It follows the national curriculum, the head is an Osted inspector and all teachers are fully qualified and experienced.

DD is pleased enough so can anyone tell me good things about free schools?

[Killasandra]

The fact it's a free school is a red herring.

You're nervous because it's a new school. If it was run by the LEA you'd be just as nervous.

No one can tell you anything about free schools. Because they're all different. Just like all other types of schools.

It's normal to be panicking now. Wait till Christmas. When your DC have been there a term. Then you'll now whether you like the school or not.

You really can't judge any school till your child's been there. All this 'choice' are just stressful gambles.

[MeganChips]

True I suppose. It's small too which I think will suit her actually.

I like your user name by the way! Are you a crystal singer?

[Killasandra]

Yes :) I wish I was a crystal singer.

I panicked and panicked over school choices. I think it's totally normal.

But remember the stats and results don't tell you how your DD will do. It doesn't matter if 80% pass or 20% pass. It matters (to you) if your DD passes.

[MyNightWithMaud]

I agree that the issue here is really about the newness of the school.

I tend to think that, with good leadership, newness is an asset, not a weakness, in that everyone is new and fired up and there's been no chance to slip into apathy and the "but we've always done it this way" mentality. DD could have been in the very first intake of a new school near us, which at the time was on a temporary and not very appealing site. I met the headteacher, who I liked very much, and whose vision for the school was one I could happily have subscribed to. As it happened, we got a place elsewhere but I'd have been content if we'd got a place there.

[secondglass]

Yes Megan, we've got 2 free school offers. One was in the coordinated admissions process and the other wasn't, and both are opening this September! We're waiting for a few details to be confirmed on the second, which is our top choice, and closest too.

DC is excited at the idea of a new school, and we love the energy of both Heads. You can tell they're thrilled at the opportunity to set up a new school from scratch.

[sablepoot]

from what you have said it sounds as if its likely to be well run and do well. these new schools get extra funding for starting up and are VERY keen for their first few intakes to achieve highly to set their reputation, so I think it should be a great opportunity for your dd. I joined a brand new school back in the day and it was great - all new equipment, enthusiastic teachers etc. what's not to like?

[IreneA78]

for me the issue wouldn't be with the newness but the fact that it was a free school

[Killasandra]

Irene - why?

Knowing it's a free school tells you nothing about the school besides:
A) it's new
B) the LEA didn't set it up.

academies are also no longer controlled by the LEA. So free schools are basically just new academies.

And as some LEAs are good and some are bad how can you draw any conclusions about the school based on it's founders?

As we don't know what LEA we are talking about we can draw no conclusions at all about the fact the LEA has no control over the new school.

[MeganChips]

Well we're going to give it a try. The other schools aren't going anywhere if it goes awry.

That's a good attitude secondglass, it does sound like a good opportunity. There are 2 other girls from her school going and a friend from guides who is in the year above and loves it although DD is mostly thrilled about the extensive lunch menu!

Unfortunately this one isn't new and shiny though. It's using an old building at the moment.