What's your experience of free schools?

Don't the vast majority of people go to free schools? I don't get it, why is this even a question

My school became an academy shortly after I attended it, and the standards seemed to drop massively. All of the 'loved' teachers were leaving and the retention rate year-to-year must've been really low. This may not be reflective of all free schools, but it certainly was my experience. From my perspective, I think that having the school less accountable to national curriculum was a weakness and many people under-performed in exams -- though the school did like to fiddle with statistics to cover it up.

academy or free-school?

Academy. Essentially, it was a 'normal' school and then became a free-school.

Academy. Essentially, it was a 'normal' school and then became a free-school.

As Mutley says, they're different. My school also recently turned from comprehensive state school to an academy. Made virtually no difference to me.

Same, my school (an all girl's grammar state school) turned into an 'academy' in 2012 or something for finance reasons i think it was (cant really remember tbh). Literally nothing changed, we still all followed the national curriculum and the name didnt even change it was still [censored] grammar school for girls.

Personally, both me and my sister now go to private school due to bad free schools in my area. We’re quite lucky in my town compared to other school buildings around the country, which as you see on the tv are sometimes in state of disrepair (Mainly on panorama), all school buildings are practically brand new. Most old schools in my area where knocked and merged (probably to save cost) however without getting into education inside. These schools have caused problems. Due to one school being located near a very busy road, staggered start time are being implemented however the school does not like this, causing a local major park (which is very popular with locals) to be destroyed to build a roundabout to ‘reduce traffic’. In terms of education all schools have turned to academics in my area. This has inevitably made it worse. Yes the grades have improved however the way the implementation of it has not gone smoothly. At my sisters school, when an academy took over they ran it military style. Saying to students just leave if they don’t like. Letting fights happen without intervention (one student broke there arm due to this) and shouting at children inappropriately during lunch. The other schools again boast good gcse results however they are run like a ‘factory’ in my opinion. In terms of my education, I was bullied through most of primary schools. So in conclusion me and my sister have had to got to private school, as it’s the only option in my area and my parents sadly have to sacrifice a lot to do this. Also at my sisters previous schools she was not recognised as gifted and talented, when she clearly is. She wasn’t receiving any extra help to the ability she was capable off. This is solely my opinion. I wish to remain anonymous.

They are NOT the same thing.

The government’s FAQ said that an academy is a normal school turned free school. If I’ve misread that, disregard my comments, but I think they are relevant.