Free schools have been criticised by some local authorities for failing to engage over school place planning, developing area-wide support and improving teaching standards. Despite free schools having no obligation to confer with local authorities, Ofsted and policymakers have highlighted how important it is for both sides to have a working relationship.
One free school that has been praised by Ofsted for its partnership approach is Gildredge House in Eastbourne, East Sussex, which was set up by a group of parents two years ago and has just been rated "outstanding" in all areas.
Gildredge House headmistress Lea Gilbert says its unexpected success – "We were feeling fairly confident that we were 'good', but to be outstanding across the board took even us by surprise" – is down to having the freedom to innovate but also a wider network of support.
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