Free Schools Support Service

The Department for Education has awarded service contract for the provision of Free School Support Service. The free school programme plays an important role in helping to deliver new, high-quality places of all types where they are needed most. Following the Spending Review, work is ongoing on a future programme and in due course, we will set out plans for delivering further special and AP free schools as part of the new investment of £2.6bn between 2022 and 2025, as well as for further mainstream schools. It is expected that there will be a need for an external support service to include the following: - Generate interest in new applications via the DfE-led free school application process, supporting groups to submit high-quality applications and providing support to applicant groups throughout the department's application and assessment process. - Deliver a small number of free school information events on behalf of the Department for Education.