Successful new schools have been founded in America, Sweden and England in the last fifteen years. They have not replaced the existing system – good state schools have stayed open and coninued to thrive – but they have provided an alternative to the millions of children who were not receiving a good education.

These schools have one key thing in common – independence from politicians. They are not run by Governments, although they are accountable to them. The head-teacher and school governors have the freedom to run their school, without red tape and central interference. Alternatives can be offered, so parents can choose the school that suits their child – whether that be a different approach to discipline, smaller class sizes, or a different curriculum - not be offered an identikit education which a faceless bureaucrat has decided is right.