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How are Free Schools different from other state schools?

Free Schools are non-profit making, independent, state-funded schools. Unlike normal state-funded schools, Free Schools are not controlled by the local authority. Free Schools are similar to academies, but will usually be new schools. Academies are usually the result of a change to an existing state school.

Because Free Schools are not controlled by the local authority, it means they:

• can set their own pay and conditions for staff
• do not have to follow the National Curriculum
  
• have control over their own budget
  
• can change the length of school terms and the school day
  

Free Schools will be funded in a similar way to other state-funded schools, and groups running Free Schools cannot make a profit. Free Schools will have the same Ofsted inspections as all state schools and will be expected to maintain the same high standards.

Pupil admission arrangements for Free Schools

The pupil admission arrangements of any Free School must be 'fair and transparent'. This means that Free Schools should be open to pupils of all abilities from the area. They won't be able to select pupils on the basis of their marks or academic ability. Free Schools will have to take part in their local area's coordinated admissions process. This means that parents will apply for places for their child in the same way as for any other local school.

• More about Free Schools from the Department for Education Opens new window

• Types of school

Who can set up Free Schools?

A Free School could be set up by any suitable proposer, where there is evidence of demand for one from parents. This evidence could be a petition or declaration from interested parents, along with a clear and well thought out business case. A link to details of how to set up a Free School, including writing a clear business case, is at the end of this section.

Free School proposers could include one or more of the following groups:

• teachers
  
• charities
• academy sponsors
• universities
• independent schools
• community and faith groups
• parents
  
• businesses (on a not-for-profit basis)

Proposers have to comply with strict suitability and vetting tests before they can set up a Free School. All proposals will be checked by the Secretary of State for Education, who will consider each proposal on its merits.

Any proposers who advocate violence, intolerance, hatred or whose ideology runs counter to the UK's democratic values will have their application rejected.

• How to apply to open a Free School (DfE) Opens new window

Help with setting up a Free School

If you are interested in having a Free School in your area, advice is available from the New Schools Network, an independent charity. The New Schools Network can also link parents with more experienced groups to help make a new school a reality.

More information about how to set up a Free School is also available on the Department for Education website.

• How to apply to open a Free School (DfE) Opens new window

• Free Schools advice from the New Schools Network Opens new window

More useful links

• Learning and your rights (disabled people section)