Free Schools Thinking publication
Our landmark publication 'Free Schools Thinking' was launched on the 20 October 2010 at the House of Commons. The report can be downloaded here. Ahead of its launch, we received publicity from a range of sources including articles on the BBC, the Independent on Sunday, Building Design (£) and Construction News (£).We have also received some excellent comments of support on the report. Sir Bruce Liddington describes the report as a 'seminal report'. Other comments include:
"The Free Schools thinking report consists of some very good ideas"
Sir Michael Wilshaw, Principal, Mossbourne Academy, Hackney
"The Free Schools Thinking report demonstrates how adaptable virtually any building can be to accommodate a learning environment and is an excellent guide for anyone that is considering establishing a school. Cast aside any preconceptions, encourage a truly open vision and together we can grow real opportunities from the most unlikely ideas."
Rob Thornton, Birkenshaw, Birstall, Gomersal and East Bierley Community Trust, Kirklees
"The Free Schools Thinking report represents a welcome and imaginative guide for any group committed to starting up a free school. Moving one from the BCSE's 'New 3Rs -- refresh, remodel and reuse' -- it opens up a variety of opportunities for cost effective new schools".
Dr Elizabeth Sidwell, Chief Executive, Haberdashers Aske's Academies Federation
"Yet again the BCSE are at the forefront of thinking about where schools are heading in the future. The Free Schools Thinking report looks at the new freedoms available to all academies and free schools and puts them to the test in the real world. It also sends out a very important message to schools and teachers across the country -- free up your thinking about the places, spaces and times where teaching and learning can take place, and rethink the people who can best help support young people's learning"
Dr Anthony Seldon, Master, Wellington College
"School buildings in this country should reflect the priorities and aspirations of a leading nation. But we need to think sustainably and economically. A great school building does not, of itself, make a great school. There are, however, many buildings which could be transformed into inspirational locations for schools as well as learning centres for communities, in a commercially and environmentally positive way. It takes lateral thinking and partnership working. Free schools now have an opportunity to tap into a rich seam of potential new locations and this excellent publication is an important step in developing new thinking."
Sir Bruce Liddington, Director General of E-ACT
"This is an exciting and very timely report. Academies have shown how re-thinking what schools could look and feel like raises aspirations for whole communities. Equally, some of the most inspiring learning spaces I've seen have been in uncoventional settings. This report demonstrates the importance of a thoughtful and creative approach to how we design spaces to enable young people to thrive"
Andy Schofield, Principal, Wellington Academy
For further information about the publication please contact Ian Fordham ian@bcse.uk.net