Bury Council is seeking applications from proposer groups who are interested in opening a new special free school.
This is through the Department for Education (DfE) central free school programme; schools will be delivered and funded as such.
The proposed new 80 place special school in Bury will serve pupils between the ages of 4 and 11 with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). The school will act as a centre of excellence in the area, providing staff training and development locally, as well as multi-disciplinary outreach services.
For more information about the prospective school, please see the specification document. Please note that the “Schedule of existing provision” (pages 18 & 19) is currently under review.
DfE guidance on how to apply, including expression of interest and application forms for proposer groups, is available at: How to apply to open a special free school - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Interested proposers are advised to get in touch with Create:Schools, the DfE’s sole provider of applicant support. Email hello@createschools.co.uk.
It is proposed to host an engagement event for potential sponsors on Microsoft Teams on Friday 21 June 2024, 2pm to 3pm. To receive an invite please email Create:Schools at hello@createschools.co.uk.
Key dates
- 13 May 2024
Expression of interest period opens.
- 31 May 2024
Expression of interest period closes at 23:59.
- 10 June 2024
Application window opens. Applications should be sent via email to FS.Applications@education.gov.uk. Completed applications will be accepted at any point throughout the application window.
- 19 July 2024
Application window closes at 23:59.
Following the closure of the application window, DfE will assess applications and interview the strongest applicants. Applicants who are invited to interview will be contacted and given a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice.
It is likely that interviews will take place in the Autumn.
