A free school is a type of academy in England established in response to parental demand or to address specific educational needs. Free schools are set up by groups such as parents, teachers, charities, existing schools, or businesses, funded by the government but independent of local authorities.
Establishing Free Schools
Groups propose free schools through an application process to the Department for Education. Successful proposals receive government funding to establish and run the school. Free schools may focus on particular approaches, subjects, or communities.
Features
Free schools have the same freedoms as other academies over curriculum, teacher qualifications, and term dates. They must be non-selective and cannot charge fees. Like all state schools, they are inspected by Ofsted.