Any experience of private school turning to 'Free School'?

[Killmenowpls]

The independent school my 2 dds attend has just written to us to say it is applying to become a 'Free School' funded by the Government in 2013. Has anyone had any experience of this?

I think at the moment I'm pleased, I never intended to send dds private, it was just the school we're in catchment for is really bad. So if it means it will stay a half decent school but now I won't have to pay fees, happy days!

Anybody got any experience of this at all? I'd never even heard of 'Free Schools' till yesterday!

[strom]

Dozer - Independent Schools Council reported that it costs c£9k per pupil in state school. Adam Smith Institute say its cheaper in the private sector.

All accounts for charity orgs are available online. Its fair to say that the mainstream private sector is not very healthy or stable (FYI, 37% of private schools have changed ownership in the last 10 years).

This school is running at a deficit but it is secured short-term by reasonable assets (reserves and property, same as all 'businesses') - long term its not going to guaranteed of anything BUT, even if it was, arguably the Free School policy is still a good option for the school as capacity is taken up and finances ARE guaranteed - that MUSt be good ?

Worth remembering that Dept of Edu have had capital budget (for new schools etc) reduced by 60% so they HAVE to do something like this - i presume thats why the Opposition have been very quiet given that generally middle class parents will have fees paid.

[Rosebud05]

Things move quickly in education, don't they?

Since this thread started, it's become explicit that founders' children will get priority places at WLFS and that for-profit companies are beginning to stake claims on the free school market.

[Dozer]

On costs of state school education vs private, DfE now publishes data on expenditure per pupil by individual school. Data for Primary here (south east) says around £3,750 per pupil per year.

Don't know what is / isn't covered, but big difference between £3.75k and £9k! And indeed school fees.

[debs227]

very interesting thread. Have they given you a date when the decision will be made on becoming a free school?? Are you happy with the education your child is receiving up to now? Do you have other options if the free school application isn't successful?

[NiceViper]

"I'm assuming our dd will get priority as she has a sibling at the school?"

I wouldn't count on this. Children admitted under a selective system do not confer priority to siblings (round here, anyway). You will need to keep an eye on exact proposals.

[freeschoolescapee]

I have just moved my child from an independent school planning to convert to a free school. Does anyone have experience of dispute with school over lack of notice? School put back meeting to inform parents four times which meant less than a terms notice could be given for the start of the new academic year. Also PTA members knew about application before parents and moved their children to new schools with a full terms notice. Have just received threat of legal action to recover fees in lieu of a terms notice... any ideas?

[Alexandrite]

That's appalling freeschool. Surely they won't have a leg to stand on as they purposely delayed telling you, but told PTA members first?