Department For Education
The competition for the safety valve special free school applications has now closed.
The list of local authorities whose applications were successful for opening a new special free school in their area, the names of the approved trusts, and the proposed school names is available.
This guidance sets out the process for proposer groups applying to set up a new specialfree school in Cambridgeshire, Kent, Merton or Norfolk. These schools are approved through the safety valve application route. We are now inviting applications from proposer groups to open new special free schools in these areas.
As a lead applicant, you should:
- read the how to apply to set up a newspecialfree school guidance and your chosen local authoritys school specification and contextual information
- complete the mandatory pre-registration form before 5pm on 22 September 2023
- complete the application forms you receive after completing the mandatory pre-registration
- submit the completed application forms to fs.applications@education.gov.uk before midday on 3 November 2023
If you do not complete the pre-registration, you will not receive an application to apply for a new special free school in these areas.