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
  Show all updates

  1. 6 March 2024

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

  2. 17 February 2023

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

  3. 24 October 2022

     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. 20 September 2022

     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. 26 August 2022

     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. 10 June 2022

     First published.

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.