Introduction

Suffolk County Council has a responsibility to ensure that all children in Suffolk have access to a good school which can make the best of their talents. We welcome different types of schools. We support parental choice, not simply to help children find the school that best suits their needs but also to develop the whole school system. We will encourage collaboration to ensure the system works well for all children.

Download the academies and free schools policy statement 

Academies

Parents and carers have asked for some help when schools consult them on proposals to become an academy. We suggest that parents ask the questions on the link below. 

Useful questions that you can ask - prompt questions for parents

Free Schools

Free Schools are new schools set up by parents or other groups. They are set up as academies. For further information and guidance from the Government about the establishment of free schools, please go to www.education.gov.uk

For details of Free Schools known to the County Council, please refer to the following web sites:

www.sabreseducationaltrust.com – concerning a Free School proposal in Brandon

www.stourvalleyeducation.org - concerning the Free School now open in Clare

www.stokebynaylandhighschool.org.uk – concerning a Free School proposal in Stoke by Nayland

www.saxmundhamfreeschool.org.uk - concerning a Free School proposal in Saxmundham

www.becclesfreeschool.org.uk - concerning a Free School proposal in Beccles