Frequently Asked Questions

What is a free school?
Free schools are state-funded schools, funded by the DfE rather than by the local authority. They have the same legal status as academies.

Are free schools able to make a profit?
No. Free schools are run on a not-for-profit basis by a charitable trust. The school will be run by the Headteacher and their leadership team and they will be answerable to a board of governors, or a Local Advisory Board.

Are free schools selective?
No. Free schools have to follow the admissions code like all state-funded schools.

Has Deer Park School been inspected by Ofsted?
Yes. All free schools are subject to inspection in the same way as other academy category schools.
Our first OfSTED report was published on 13/09/2018. The report found Deer Park School to be ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.
You can read the full report by following the link: Click here

How will the school be held accountable?
The running of the school is overseen by a Local Advisory Board (LAB) who are accountable to the charitable trust which oversees the school (The Bellevue Place Education Trust). In addition, the school is also accountable to the Department for Education through the terms of its Funding Agreement. Here is the link to the Deer Park School Local Advisory Board, for more information on its membership and function.

How can I apply for a place?
Details of the admissions procedure are available here.