Suffolk Coalition Opposing Free Schools

Parents and teachers campaigning to protect the education of all our children: www.scofs.net

Beccles Free School: a risk not worth taking

Despite massive opposition, the Department for Education has approved the costly, unnecessary free school in Beccles. Heres why sending your child there is such a gamble:
Narrow curriculum: the free school offers limited choice, with GCSEs in single sciences and ICT relegated to enrichment activities. Disruption: two years commuting to a hastily adapted primary school in Carlton Colville, with poor facilities. Then a move to a new site at more expense, both financially and educationally. Untried staff: Head teacher from one of Cambridgeshires lowest performing schools and we don't know who the teachers are going to be, even though the school is supposed to open in less than 3 months. Limited extra-curricular opportunities: only 21 parents indicated support in the consultation. The free school will be unable to run a decent range of activities, and it wont even have a proper sports field. Not inspected: Ofsted will not visit for at least two years, so no independent judgements on performance. Unaccountable: governed from Woodbridge by the Seckford Foundation.

On the other hand, the Sir John Leman High School is established and successful, it was found good with outstanding features by Ofsted, has a fully inclusive curriculum, a stable learning environment, modern facilities, extensive extra-curricular activities and an accountable governing body drawn from the local community.

Your child gets one education choose wisely.

www.scofs.net