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The Government has approved 79 new free schools to open from September 2012 onwards. These schools are being set up by teachers, charities, universities and other groups in response to local demand. Free schools will increase choice for parents and pupils in communities across the country and significantly, the vast majority are in disadvantaged areas.
The free schools that have been approved include 55 new mainstream and 16-19 schools. Of the free schools aiming to open from 2012 onwards, 21 are primary schools, 33 are secondary schools, eight are all-through schools and one is a 16-19 school. More than two thirds have proposed sites which are situated in the 50 per cent most deprived areas of the country. Others will meet additional need for schools places.
Education Secretary Michael Gove has announced that there will also be 13 new University Technical Colleges (UTCs). UTCs are academies for 14–19-year-olds. They focus on providing technical education that meets the needs of modern business. They offer full-time courses, which focus on technical specialisms and academic studies. These specialisms include engineering, science technologies and health care. All UTCs are sponsored by a local university and employers. In total, more than 130 employers are involved in the 13 UTCs. Among them are the Royal Navy, Procter & Gamble, Rolls-Royce, and BlackBerry.
The new free schools will join the 24 that opened in September 2011. The new free schools approved include The London Academy of Excellence, which will be a brand new sixth form free school. It is being set up by Brighton College, a highly successful independent school, with other independent schools. It is aimed at pupils from disadvantaged areas.
If you would like to receive any further information, please contact Antony Power at antony.power@devonshires.co.uk or Emma Swann at emma.swann@devonshires.co.uk.
