Free Schools/New School Network

[Littlechickenlady]

Hi

I'm new, but I'm really interested in hearing your opinion on Free Schools.

I live in Suffolk and our three tier system (Infant, Middle and Upper schools) is coming to an end. Unfortunately, our catchment middle school, for kids aged between 9-13 is awesome, but being closed down, despite strong opposition wanting it to remain open as a high school.

Our local MP, is behind our campaign and all the arguments to keep it open.

As a Tory and hoping they'll be in power in May, he's pushing for the school to be open as a Free School - non fee paying, but independent from the LEA whilst being able to chose it's own curriculum . Apparently this is based on successful trials in Sweden and the US.

I was wondering, does anyone know anything about this model? Or is anyone working to keeping a school open and thinking this could work for them? Or does anyone have an opinion?

Thanks for reading x

I'm sure there is a catch, but this could be about the only Tory policy that I like. There just isn't the opportunities for social mobility with the current system. The school we like best in the local area (does latin and philosophy, plenty of music lessons and outdoor time) is massively fee paying, so we are stuck with either compromise or home ed.

I suppose the catch could be that schools might choose dodgy curricula (I just made that word up, but I think it is right) - I'm thinking religious schools mainly here.

Toby Young is having a go at opening a free school. Worth a read.

Hi - thank you! That's a useful link.

I'm sure there is a catch. I guess we'll see... I'd like our school to stay open as I don't really want to send the girls to the only option available to us now