FAQs - NSN

Will NSN speak to Local Authorities on a group’s behalf?

 

No. NSN offers support to groups on applications to set up and run Free Schools, but does not act on these groups’ behalf. We can however provide advice and support on the best ways to approach Local Authorities and enter into a productive working relationship. 

Will NSN work with parent groups?

 

Yes. NSN works with any group seeking to set up a high quality, inclusive school which is compatible with the democratic principles of this country. Any group can access our universal services, as outlined here. To access the Development Programme groups must apply in one of the five application windows. The criteria are not aimed at any particular type of group, but are designed to assess the potential of groups applying to the programme against a number of factors.

How many of the approved and open Free Schools has NSN worked with?

 

NSN has worked with 81% of the 79 open Free Schools, and 70% of those who have been approved to open Free Schools from September 2013. What are the benefits of working with NSN?

The main way in which Free School applicants can benefit from working with NSN is through our Development Programme, which will give you intensive support with your application.

In 2012 100% of our Development Programme groups were interviewed by the DfE. 84% of NSN Development Programme groups were approved to open schools. In an anonymous survey 100% of NSN Development Programme groups in 2012 found our services helpful.

Our Development Programme support includes:

  • A grant of £5,000 to aid marketing and other activity;
  • A named adviser who will work with you to complete and help project manage your application;
  • Access to specialists including former head teachers, school business managers, and specialists in Alternative Provision and SEN; and
  • Access to a series of tailored workshops on completing a high quality application and opening a good school.
  • Full feedback on drafts of your application to the DFE.

We will also try and find experienced volunteers in education, law, finance and other areas to help strengthen your steering group.

Even if you are not part of the Development Programme, anyone who wishes to set up a school can access our universal support:

  • Free On The Road training events;
  • Free attendance to our “Free School Live!” event;
  • A 1:1 surgery with an adviser;
  • Advice from an adviser;
  • In-depth guidance on how to set up a school; and
  • The ability to find volunteers and talk to others setting up schools.

Will NSN be involved in assessing applications?

 

No. NSN is not part of the Department for Education and is not involved in assessing applications; only the DfE can tell you whether you have been accepted. 

Do groups need to work with NSN to be approved?

 

No. NSN can support groups with their application but we are not part of the Department for Education and only they can tell you whether you have been accepted. Being accepted on to our Development Programme will not affect the way in which the DfE will assess your Free School application. 

How is NSN funded?

 

NSN receives funding from the Department for Education (DfE) for the support we provide to Free School applicants. However, this represents a minority of our funding, the rest comes from donations. 

What does NSN do?

 

The New Schools Network is an independent charity, set up in 2009, which provides advice and guidance on how to set up successful new state schools. NSN supports any group seeking to set up a high quality, inclusive school which is compatible with the democratic principles of this country, but tailored, intensive support is given to groups who are members of our Development Programme.

NSN supports Free School applicants in two ways. Anyone who wishes to set up a school can access:

  • Free On The Road training events;
  • Free attendance to our “Free School Live!” event;
  • A 1:1 surgery with an adviser;
  • Advice from an adviser;
  • In-depth written guidance on how to set up a school; and
  • The ability to find volunteers and talk to others setting up schools.

We recommend that every new Free School applicant to have attended one of our events and met with an adviser before they apply for further support.

 

The main way in which NSN supports Free School applicants is through our Development Programme. Groups must apply to NSN in order to access this support. Our extra support will include:

  • A grant of £5,000 to aid marketing and other activity;
  • A named adviser who will work with you to help project manage your application;
  • Access to specialists including former head teachers, school business managers, and specialists in Alternative Provision and SEN; and
  • Access to a series of tailored workshops on completing a high quality application and opening a good school.
  • Full feedback on drafts of your application to the DFE.

We will try to find experienced volunteers in education, law, finance and other areas to help strengthen your steering group. NSN also offers mock interviews to groups who register, on a first come first served basis.

For more information on the work of NSN: http://newschoolsnetwork.org/about/our-work