What are Free Schools?- Why SABIS®?
Free Schools are non-selective schools that operate independently within the state system in England. They receive public funding according to the number of pupils they attract and are independent from the Local Authority. Free schools were inspired by the charter school program in the USA but are rapidly being shaped and defined by various groups in England who are setting out to improve the quality of education on offer in their own locality. Free Schools have the flexibility to be innovative in the provision of the curriculum and their offer to the local community they serve.
Because Free Schools are entirely new projects they can bring innovation, diversity and academic achievement into areas where only less effective and successful options currently exist. SABIS® has a proven track record of doing just that and is seeking to work with individuals, groups, charities or academy trusts to bring along lasting sustainable change to the education on offer to young people from the age of 4 to 18 years old.
The Funding Agreement signed by the Department of Education (DfE) establishing each Free School is a Performance Contract detailing the school's mission, program, goals, number of students and grade levels served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success. The length of time for which Funding Agreements are typically granted is seven years and funding agreements can be renewed as long as there are no material breaches or violations.
Under the basic concept of the Free School, the schools exercise increased autonomy in return for accountability. They are accountable to the DfE to adhere to the School's Funding Agreement which includes accountability for both the academic results they achieve and fiscal practices. Most importantly Free Schools are also accountable to the parents who choose them as well as the taxpayers that fund them. Like all state schools they are subject to inspection by the Ofsted on a regular basis.
SABIS® aims to maximize the added value to each child’s education and provide them with the foundations to succeed in qualifications, open up a series of career pathways and deliver the joy of lifelong learning.