What makes a Successful What makes a Successful Free School Application?Free School Application?

Learning From the Experience of OthersLearning From the Experience of OthersSaturday 15th September 2012

Application Process – Deadline 4 January 2013

2

Build your team and set out your vision.

Prepare a detailed application including: – Curriculum and delivery;– School organisation and staffing;– Evidence of demand;– Consideration of possible premises – Operating model; and– Budgets.

Set up company limited by guarantee.

Submit application to DfE.

The Pre-Opening Phase

3

Prepare school for admission of first cohort of students, including:– Readying physical building;– Completing all legal procedures;– Recruiting staff;– Running consultation;– Ensuring policies are in place; and– Running admissions.

Sign funding agreement with DfE.

Pass pre-opening Ofsted inspection.

Open school.

First few years of opening

4

First few years of operations, during which school may not be at capacity.

Finalising touches to premises, staff recruitment, etc may happen during this time.

Initial Ofsted inspection within the first two years.

Things to avoid:

Planning a good application

5

Meets a clear, evidenced need in the community Will be delivered by a strong team who can devote sufficient time to the

project. Clear distinction made between bought in expertise and expertise within project group

Leaves sufficient time for tasks other than writing (e.g. gathering evidence of demand)

A good application:

Not identifying your team’s skills gaps, and not being upfront with the DfE about any additional expertise needed

Not considering your plans for the pre-opening phase and/or when the school is up and running

Things to avoid:

A good application:

Writing a good application

Has a clear vision for the Free School which informs the entire application – each decision is justified

Provides a clear strategic plan for the delivery of the school Meets the DfE’s criteria clearly and concisely (word limit) Uses a style appropriate for the points you are making

6

Contradictory information in different sections of your application Leaving writing your application to the last minute Exemplars – all applications are different and must be a reflection of

your distinctive vision

Meet and Greet NSN Team

7

Advisers’ introductions

Meet your adviser