The New Schools Network is a national education charity that was set up in 2009 to improve educational opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. A huge part of this work was supporting the creation of free schools in England.
Following the introduction of free schools into the education system in 2010 we worked with hundreds of communities, teachers, school trusts, social entrepreneurs and others to open new state schools across England – many of them in areas of significant deprivation and low educational standards.
The New Schools Network acted as an interface between those starting free schools and the government, we were able to help build the capacity for change in communities around the country and help Ministers and officials improve how the policy was delivered.
There is now a thriving free schools community right across England, which brings innovation and academic excellence to the system.
Free schools are an established part of the landscape, providing a rich contribution to raising standards – be that through Reach Academy Feltham in Hounslow or Dixons in Bradford – these schools have raised the bar, and are improving education in and beyond their communities. We have been proud to play our part in supporting these schools.
Between 2013-2022 NSN also delivered the Department for Education’s Academy Ambassadors programme, which resulted in over 2,000 non-executive director, trustee, and member matches to academy trust boards.
These Ambassadors – all volunteers – have brought their independent expertise, perspectives and insights from business, the professions and education to academy trusts. They have provided non-executive support at the highest level and supported executive leaders to provide the best education for their pupils through strong governance and a shared moral purpose.
