Free school
Free schools funded by the government but not run by the local authority. Instead, they are run on a not-for-profit basis by groups such as; charities, universities, parents, businesses and so on as an alternative to existing local schools.
There are expected to be 883 free schools by 2020 and 270,000 free school places between 2016 and 2021 (ref NAO see below).
Free schools have more control over how they operate. They can set their own pay and conditions for staff, change the length of school terms and of the school day and do not have to follow the national curriculum. However, unlike grammar schools, they are not permitted to use academic selection processes.
Free schools can be either university technical colleges, specialising in subjects such as engineering and construction, as well as ‘traditional’ subjects, or they can be studio schools; small schools delivering mainstream qualifications through project-based learning.
In February 2017, the National Audit Office (NAO) published Capital funding for schools, which criticised free schools.
It found that whilst free schools often meet a demographic need for new school places, they also create spare capacity, which may have implications for schools’ financial sustainability. It recommended that In assessing applications for new free schools, the Department for Education should assess whether the value gained from increasing choice outweighs the disadvantages of creating spare school places. The report also said the Department recognised that skills shortages had affected the ability to secure free school sites quickly and at the best price.
Commons Public Accounts Committee chair Meg Hillier said: “The department is choosing to open new free schools in areas which do not need them and are failing to fill places. This is taxpayers’ money that could be used to fund much-needed improvements in thousands of existing school buildings.”
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Baseline designs for schools.
- Broadmeadows Primary School.
- Building Bulletin 93: acoustic design of schools.
- Building Schools for the Future.
- CIBSE Case Study Bushbury Hill Primary School.
- NAO report into the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation.
- Priority School Building Programme PSBP.
- The King’s School, Worcester.
Featured articles and news
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.