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Free school (England)

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"Free schools" have been championed by the Conservative's Education Secretary Michael Gove

A Free School is a policy of the Conservative-Liberal coalition in the United Kingdom whereby it will be possible for parents, teachers, charities and businesses[1] to set up their own school. Such schools would be state school funded by the tax-payer,[2] non-selective[2] and free to attend but they would not be controlled by local authorities.[3] The concept of free schools is based upon a similar model found in Sweden as well as US charter schools.[4] In Sweden profit-making and non-profit making organisations can set up schools.[5]

Free schools would be able to set their own admissions policies. To set up a free school groups would first have to apply to the Department for Education.[6] Conservative Education Secretary Michael Gove said he had ruled out religious fundamentalist groups being able to set up free schools.[7] The Academies Bill introduced in the 2010 Queen's Speech will allow the creation of free schools and allow all existing state schools to become academy schools. Writer Toby Young has attempted to set up a free school in West London.[8]

Support

Supporters of the scheme such as the Conservative Party claim that the scheme would "create more local competition and drive-up standards".[9]

Criticisms

Critics have argued that the scheme will only benefit middle class parents with the time to dedicate to setting up a school and that the scheme will divert money away from existing schools; and that if academy status becomes a symbol of success, schools remaining under local education authority control will be seen as second best.[10]. The Daily Telegraph describes The National Union of Teachers warning that the policy would "fuel social segregation and undermine local democracy".[9]

Paul Carter, a Conservative Councillor, has stated that under present funding arrangements: "The more academies and free schools you operate, under the current academy funding arrangements, the less maintained schools would get."[11]

Peter Wilby, writing in the The Guardian suggests that such schools will be run by private companies rather than parents, teachers and voluntary groups.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1281618/Michael-Gove-sparks-anger-refusing-rule-cap-pay-academy-headteachers.html
  2. ^ a b Tuck, Vicky (2010-04-26). "Want to open a Tory 'free school'? Take a leaf out of the Victorians' book". Telegraph. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
  3. ^ Harrison, Angela. "What will make a school 'free'?". BBC News. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
  4. ^ http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/63793,news-comment,news-politics,tory-free-schools-who-going-to-pay-for-them-education
  5. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/10161371.stm
  6. ^ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1281618/Michael-Gove-sparks-anger-refusing-rule-cap-pay-academy-headteachers.html
  7. ^ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1281618/Michael-Gove-sparks-anger-refusing-rule-cap-pay-academy-headteachers.html
  8. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/8401822.stm
  9. ^ a b Paton, Graeme (2010-03-23). "Teachers attack Tory 'free school' plans". Telegraph. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
  10. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/10161371.stm
  11. ^ Logged in as click here to log out (2010-04-27). "Tory free schools will spread inequality | Francis Gilbert | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk". Guardian. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
  12. ^ Peter Wilby. "Private companies will run 'free schools' | Education". The Guardian. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
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