NSN News

The Board of Trustees for the New Schools Network is today announcing its decision to wind down the charity’s operations.

Since 2009, New Schools Network has supported the creation of 610 schools which otherwise wouldn’t exist, as well over 200 that are still in the pipeline. During that time, NSN has supported every wave of the free schools programme, working with hundreds of groups wanting to set up free schools. There is now a thriving free schools community right across the country, which brings innovation and academic excellence to the system.

Since 2009, New Schools Network (NSN) has worked tirelessly to advocate for and support the free schools programme. There is now a thriving free school community made up of 610 schools, plus over 200 free schools approved to open, that brings innovation and academic excellence to the system. We have been proud to play our part in supporting these schools. 

“As our report published last year showed, too many families simply do not have the opportunity to access a high-quality education. That is why it is right for new specialists 16-19 free schools to be prioritised in areas of limited provision and high deprivation.

Why did you get involved as a trustee?

Academy Ambassadors came to speak to the MIN (Multicultural and Inclusion Network) at Vodafone about why it was important for individuals in corporate settings to get involved with education. This conversation tugged at my heart strings as I knew there was more I could be doing. I asked myself, Adanna – what have you got in your hands and how could you contribute?

Why did you become a trustee?

Education wasn’t an area I had any previous involvement with. I thought it would be quite fascinating area to get stuck in with and the setup of Academy Ambassadors was interesting. I had a chat with a Regional Advisor from the Programme, and they matched me with an academy trust that fit what I was looking for. I wanted to become a trustee to widen my portfolio. Alongside other roles I have, it’s helped me to understand things like environmental, social and corporate governance better; school curriculums; and delegation of duties.

What is the purpose of an academy trust board?

A trust board primarily has a statutory purpose, as it is a requirement for an academy trust to have an independent body charged with the oversight of the trust’s governance, finance and operations. The duties are very similar to that of a board of directors and many trustees will also have been directors of private companies so will be familiar with the kind of responsibility that it entails.

"I welcome the Chancellor's announcement today to invest in new special school places. 

"Special and alternative provision free schools provide some of the highest quality and most innovative opportunities for families across the country. Demand has been outstripping supply for a number of years, and there are countless children whose needs are going unmet. The funding announced today is a welcome step in the right direction.

The collection features free schools of all types and phase from across the country, and provides a candid insight into the process of establishing and running a free school. Interviews feature the founders and/or leaders of: