What is a common characteristic of free schools?

Free schools are unique educational establishments that are typically initiated by parents, community groups, or charities, giving them a level of autonomy distinct from traditional schools. This characteristic empowers local communities to establish educational settings that they feel address specific needs and gaps within the educational landscape.

This distinctive feature stands in contrast to conventional schools that are often set up and controlled by local authorities. Free schools enjoy the freedom to design their own curriculum, which allows them to customize their teaching approaches and learning environments. This element of parental and community involvement is crucial as it encourages greater accountability and responsiveness to the specific needs of the local student population.

Free schools do not require adherence to the National Curriculum in the same way that state schools must, even though they are accountable for ensuring that students receive a quality education. The notion that they have limited operational freedom is misleading, as free schools are specifically created to enhance flexibility in terms of their pedagogical approaches.

By empowering communities and parents to take the initiative, free schools aim to foster innovation and improve educational outcomes in ways that more traditional models may struggle to do.