Our Work

The New Schools Network wants any group with a vision, a coherent plan and support from parents to be able to set up a school. If parents choose to send their child to that school, it should receive public money.

To help groups succeed we offer the following free services:

Advisers

Each group we work with is assigned a dedicated adviser who will provide personal support including:

• Advice, information and resources. Advisers are available by email and telephone, as well as in face to face meetings and surgeries throughout the process;
• Setting up meetings with NSN specialists; and
• Giving detailed and comprehensive feedback on draft application forms before submission to the Department for Education (DfE).

Specialist advisers

NSN has specialist advisers in educational planning and school operations to help groups with school policies, curriculum, financial and HR issues. Our specialists will provide advice:

• For groups looking to set up mainstream Free Schools;
• For groups looking to set up special Free Schools; and
• For groups looking to set up alternative provision Free Schools.

Groups can have up to 4 meetings with specialists and feedback by email and phone.

Application feedback

Before submitting an application to the DfE, groups can send drafts of their application forms to NSN for detailed feedback. The feedback will explain:

• Which minimum criteria need to be addressed or strengthened; and
• Detailed comments on educational and financial plans. 

Matchmaking

Our Networking and volunteering service will enable groups to find:

• Committed and skilled volunteers to strengthen their team and share expertise;
• Additional individuals who can become trustees and governors; and
• Potential partner organisations which can help groups build capacity.

Events

NSN runs tailored events for groups at each stage of the application process. All events will have substantial networking opportunities for groups. Find out more in our Events section.

Publications

From this website you can:

• Download detailed, step-by-step guides to completing the DfE application form; and
• Access information about the policy and resources for the application process.

Free School Development Programme

NSN gives extra support to groups who have extraordinary potential to raise educational standards. Groups can apply for additional services through the Development Programme section of this website.

NSN does not:

• Write applications for groups – it is important that the application reflects your own work and capacity
• Advise you on the outcome of your application – we are not part of the DfE and only they can tell you whether you have been accepted
• Change government policy – we will, like many charities, ask government to change policy but we are not part of government

Individuals who would like to propose amendments to the policy are urged to contact their local MP and the DfE.