Opening an independent school
How to open an independent school
Key considerations for establishing an independent school
Establishing an independent school involves determining the availability of suitable students, assessing financial sustainability, and ensuring the necessary expertise and resources are in place.
The process of setting up an independent school
PAG works closely with each client to understand their unique context and priorities, creating a bespoke combination of services to support their journey. This typically involves a four-stage process:
• Feasibility study: We analyse market opportunities, conduct SWOT analyses, and provide go/no-go recommendations.
• Business case: We help in detailed financial and operational planning and explore funding options.
• Scoping and planning: We confirm timeline and funding, and assist in action planning and procurement.
• Managing the opening: We guide you through regulatory and legal establishment, marketing, recruitment, and refurbishment.
I have worked with Tom and the team from PAG for a number of years, most recently on our successful application to open our second school. I have always found PAG to be ultra-responsive and able to anticipate the needs of the trust and the project. The trust also retains PAG's services on a range of matters from policy work to advice on trust strategy.
We're delighted to have appointed PAG to project manage the Michaela school in Stevenage"
Katharine Birblasingh
Headmistress, Michaela Community School
We have proposed, opened, and acted as a DfE or new schools' network advisor for over
free schools via DfE and LA competitions