A free school is classified as a non-profit making, independent, state-funded school which is free to attend but which is not controlled by a Local Authority. They are subject to the same School Admissions Code as all of State-funded schools. The Department of Education must approve all free schools and they are expected to comply with standard performance measures. Supporters argue that they create healthy competition for public schools and increase standards. Opponents argue that the schools will divert money away from existing schools and only benefit middle-class students whose parents have the resources to start them.
Statistics are shown for this demographic
Parish
Response rates from 171k UK voters.
32% Yes |
68% No |
26% Yes |
54% No |
6% Yes, free schools will create more local competition and increase standards |
14% No, free schools divert money away from existing schools |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 171k UK voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 171k UK voters.
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Unique answers from UK voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@9PV5ZPH11mos11MO
Yes, only if there is strict regulation to avoid biased education, and funds for existing schools are protected.
@9QD8HY611mos11MO
I think education should be free for all, and if not local authority schools this should be managed to insure that students are being taught sufficiently
@9Q83HSW11mos11MO
Yes they have a right, as long as government aren't funding it and there is some sort of regulation to avoid abuse of vulnerable.
@9Q6SR9411mos11MO
Yes and no as it takes money we don’t have yet offers education to those who don’t have it more easily.
@9SKBZR99mos9MO
No, I wouldn't trust a bunch of random parents and old people to just start a "free school" I've never heard of this, that's crazy
@9S453F210mos10MO
Yes, but only if they are effectively targeted to areas in need and do not divert money away from existing schools.
@9QWDBPM11mos11MO
Yes, so long as they do not receive any government funding and pass government regulations and regular inspections
@9QS7F7T11mos11MO
Yes, if they remain secular, mitigating discrimination and polarisation, advocating equality and inclusivity
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