Guidance

Apply to open an alternative provision free school

Guidance for partnerships seeking to establish a new alternative provision (AP) free school.

From:
Department for Education
Published
10 June 2022
Last updated
6 March 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

How to apply to set up an alternative provision free school

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Details

Applications to open a new AP free school closed on 17 February 2023.

A list of approved free schools from this application round is available.

Updates to this page

Published 10 June 2022
Last updated 6 March 2024 + show all updates

  1. Added a link to the list of approved free schools from this application round.

  2. Updated to confirm that applications to open a new AP free school closed at midday on 17 February 2023.

  3. Updated to reflect that the mandatory pre-registration closed at 5pm on Monday, 24 October 2022. Lead applicants who completed the pre-registration form have until 17 February 2023 to submit the application forms.

  4. Added a link to the pre-registration form. Lead applicants should read the guidance and complete the mandatory pre-registration form by 5pm on Monday, 24 October 2022.

  5. Updated the wording on independent schools in the section on forming a partnership. Updated the key dates for when interviews start and successful applications are announced.

  6. First published.

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