A similar system in the United States of America, the Charter Schools programme, has shown how particular schools with these freedoms, coupled with inspirational teachers and leaders, can have a huge impact on academic performance and the numbers of pupils staying on in education. These schools are normally set up in areas where there are high levels of deprivation. They demonstrate that when the right conditions are put in place, young people can thrive. One of the most successful chains of Charter Schools is the Knowledge Is Power Programme schools (KIPP). Nationally more than 85 per cent of KIPP students have gone on to college despite over 80 per cent of students coming from low-income families.
In the UK it is clear from the academies programme that when schools have autonomy on what is taught and how a school is managed, it has transformed the life chances of pupils who attend these schools.
Any groups interested in establishing a new Free School may contact the New Schools Network (NSN) to discuss their ideas before making an application.
