Free Schools Flashcards
Which government introduced free schools?
The coalition government 2010 introduced free schools.
What are free schools?
Similar to academies they are funded by the local government.
Who can set up free schools?
Parents, teachers, businesses, and faith organisations.
What do free schools not have to do?
Free schools do not have to follow the national curriculum, allowing them to tailor the education they provide to best suit the needs of different students and offers them diverse educational opportunities
What do free schools lead to within students? (experience)
Free schools are able to provide a more “positive experience” of education as students won’t feel as though they are wasting their time or learning things unnecessary to them.
How do free schools increase diversity and choice?
Free schools increase diversity and choice for parents/students as they can choose schools which provide different curriculums and specialise in certain aspects of it, and cater to more specific needs, such as free schools set up by faith organisations.
Who criticises free schools?
Sociologist Shepard 2012
What did Sheperd find?
Sheperd found that 75% of free schools had fewer students on free school meals than average schools in their area, this suggests free schools take a higher proportion of students from wealthier backgrounds.
What can this lead to? (Sheperd’s criticism)
This can lead to increased segregation as disadvantaged communities may have limited access to these schools which seemingly cater to more wealthy families.
