St. Luke’s Church of England School opened in September, one of the first ever Free Schools in England.
It joined 23 other primary, secondary and all-age schools which have been set up by education organisations, teachers, parents, community groups, faith groups, charities, existing schools, and Academy sponsors. They are part of the government’s drive to raise school standards across the country and tackle educational disadvantage. The story of the beginnings of St. Luke’s School was carried in the October 2010 EN.
Government funds
Free Schools are funded by the government, but have greater freedoms than local authority-run schools. They are run by teachers — not local councils or Westminster politicians — and have freedom over things like the length of the school day, the curriculum, and how they spend their money. They are not permitted to make a profit, and all funds raised must go back into improving education for pupils.
