PAG Launches Create: Schools
Further to the news that PAG was successful in its bid for the DfE’s free school applicant support service, we are hugely excited to announce the launch of Create: Schools to act as the delivery vehicle for this service.
Wholly owned (as we prefer to say powered by) PAG, Create: Schools will provide proposer groups with expert independent advice and comprehensive resources to support the creation of new mainstream, special, and AP free schools across the country, and particularly in areas with the most need.
We have launched this service in line with the DfE’s announcement of the new free schools waves, providing opportunity for up to 75 new free schools, including 15 mainstream schools located in Education Investment Areas (EIA’s), and up to 60 special and alternative provision settings.
For mainstream schools, there is until the 16th of September to register interest. Once an expression of interest has been submitted, the deadline to complete an application is the 31st of October. This wave is targeted at the 55 EIAs and with a particular focus on opening standalone sixth form providers.
For special schools, the first the first stage of the process is for local authorities (LAs) to complete the mandatory pre-registration form by 11th July, followed by a complete application by the 21st of October.
For AP free schools, partnerships made up of a lead trust, at least one LA, and other relevant partners will be invited to complete a mandatory pre-registration form between the 12th of September and the 17th of October 2022. The lead applicant will then have until the 17th of February 2023 to submit the completed application form.