Charity to support 'free schools'
Parents have made their feelings about failing schools known on YouTube
A new charity has been established to help push through proposals for a Swedish-inspired system of independent state schools.
The New Schools Network (NSN) is advocating a rise in the number of independent state schools established outside the existing system administered by Local Education Authorities, which would be publicly funded but run with complete freedom.
As part of its launch, the charity has released a series of YouTube clips featuring parents who are dissatisfied with their local schools and want to see change.
Rachel Wolf, the body's founder and director, stated: "Our education system suits some families, but too many children leave school with no real prospects through no fault of their own.
"We must give those children alternatives."
NSN's board includes Sir Geoffrey Owen, former editor of the Financial Times, Sir Bruce Liddington, former Schools Commissioner, and Christine Homer, formerly part of Lord Andrew Adonis' academy team.
The Conservatives made their support for independent schools known at the recent party conference, pledging to build hundreds of new schools and shift the balance of power away from the government and towards parents if they come to power.
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