Lessons learnt from 2012 and 2013

Richard Eastburn, Sandymoor SchoolCarol Clare, Boston Free School

Liam Nolan, Perry Beeches

Why… Boston Pioneers’ Free School Academy?

We have listened to the voice of our Community…both the indigenous and the more recently arrived migrant population.

They want a school that reflects the cultural diversity of Boston; with high standards of

both behaviour and academic achievement; where every child is known, treated and

valued as an individual.

If at first you don’t succeed...

Take 1 – 2012 Opening•Appointment of educational consultant to lead the application process•Early days, lack of experience led to unsuccessful proposal•Feedback revealed basic criteria were not met•e.g. insufficient evidence of demand; use of freedoms

…Try again!

Failure was not an option…

Take 2 – 2013 Opening•This time we took control, we had ownership•New Schools Network pivotal to our successful proposal (application form feedback, meetings with specialists, mock interview)

…Our success story

Our Free School Formula…

• Our Vision was reborn• Establish steering committee with relevant

experience• Application to NSN Development Programme• Bid-writing shared according to expertise• Vision permeates throughout• One person responsible for fluency and style

of writing, maintain deadlines

• Evidence of Demand, Evidence of Demand• Evidence of Demand, Evidence of Demand• Evidence of Demand, Evidence of Demand• Evidence of Demand, Evidence of Demand• Evidence of Demand, Evidence of Demand• Evidence of Demand, Evidence of Demand• Evidence of Demand, Evidence of Demand

Sought from…

• Local Authority• Early Years Providers• Local Business• Community Groups• Local Councillors and MP• General Public enabled through canvassing in

local supermarket chain• Use of media• Leaflet drop

Laying the Foundation...

• Register with commercial estate agents• Investigate and register an interest with

potential premises• Local knowledge proved invaluable

...Building our Dream

Final Steps...

• Submit application• Attend mock interview with NSN• Hone interview technique and presentation• Await invitation for interview from DfE• Post interview...cross fingers!

Lessons Learnt

Have courage in your conviction

Lessons learnt from 2012 and 2013

Richard Eastburn, Sandymoor SchoolCarol Clare, Boston Free School

Liam Nolan, Perry Beeches

Liam NolanChief Executive

Perry Beeches The Academy Trust

Proposer Group

Free Schools Live! 2012Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre

Saturday 15th September 2012

Team PB Background• April 2007 – 21% - “worst performing school” – NTI – National

Challenge

• September 2008 – “Most Improved School in the UK” – 51% - OFSTED “Good With Outstanding Features”

• September 2010 – “Most Improved School in the UK Ever” – 53% increase in 3 years – 74% - BIC – School of the Year

• July 2011 - “National Secondary School of the Year 2011 – 2012” - “Overall Outstanding School of the Year 2011 – 2012 - NSS / NLE

Team PB Background

• August 2011 – 75%

• March 2012 – asked to take PB II The Free School

• May 2012 – officially became an academy

• July 2012 – named “world class” by Secretary of State for Education

• August 2012 – 77% and third year of 100%

Be clear about;

• Why you are doing this?

• Who is this for?

• What are the distinct benefits of you and your school?

Make sure you;

1. Have STRONG education plan/team

2. Know how to work your way around DfE / EFA / OFSTED

AND / OR

HAVE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE SYSTEM

Know and stick to:

i. Core values…

ii. Vision…

iii. Who is this for…

YOUNG PEOPLE AND EDUCATION

Five DO’s

• DO take control – not EFA / DfE / NSN school (nor builders etc. etc.) – BE CLEAR / DIRECT

• DO put children, community and facilities first

• DO concentrate on what you are going to deliver and why

• DO know your patch – local schools, media, politicians, needs

• DO find friends, allies, networks – make ‘Team’ – ‘helicopter’

List of Contacts At Your Fingertips

• NSN …. 020 7537 9208

• DfE …. Mela Watts / Paul Schofield / Rory Kennedy 0370 000 2288

• Future Leaders …. 0203 116 0808

• Teach First …. 0844 880 1800

• Teaching Leaders …. South 0203 116 0828 / North 0161 242 1194 / Midlands 0121 632 2160

• Local councillors, MP, political players

• All ‘feeder’ primaries within 5 miles

• Local Universities, Teaching Schools, Teacher Training centres