Since the coalition government announced its ‘Free School’ initiative in June last year, they have received applications from over 320 potential new schools around the country.
So far, 41 applications have been accepted and are looking to open from September this year. Frome Free School (FFS), a proposal put together by a group of parents and teachers, has been an early bidder in the ‘Free School’ process, seeking to become the first Free School to be accepted in Somerset, and only the second in the whole of the South West.
Frome Free School will be located right in the heart of Frome, serving children right through from 4 – 18, with capacity for up to 160 pupils. It will be part of the European Democratic Education Community, in conjunction with the thriving Forest School movement.
Leader of the bid Guy Wilson said, “It is vital that we know the market for our type of education. We particularly want to know what kind of extended services parents would like to see, and how we can fully serve the local community.”
It is anticipated that FFS will appeal to children from a far wider area than just Frome, already expressions of interest have come from Bath, Westbury and Glastonbury. As part of its proposal, FFS will be carrying out a consultation with local residents, businesses, schools and community organisations throughout the month of May.
Leaflets and response cards can now be found in the following Frome locations: Frome Library, The Garden Cafe, The Cafe in the Park, and the Black Swan Arts Centre. FFS also has a website www. fromefreeschool.co.uk/ and a public meeting will be held at Frome United Reform Church, Whittox Lane on Sunday 22nd May at 2.30pm.
Reflecting its wider appeal, FFS are inviting comments from towns and villages neighbouring Frome, including: Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Bath, Shepton Mallet and Glastonbury. The consultation period ends 31st May. NOW IS THE TIME TO HAVE YOUR SAY!”
