Harpenden Free School Update

So the proposal has been approved for Harpenden's new Free School and they are determined to open in September 2012.  After last year's much talked about school allocations the addition of a new school in Harpenden will be well received- but what do we know of this new school and will it really put an end to the so called 'postcode lottery?' 

The Free School will be part of the Hertfordshire County Council admissions process alongside other local schools; this process opens on 14th November 2011.  They are currently finalising their admissions policy but their intention is for this to be based on a system of random allocation of places to avoid the 'postcode lottery' which currently exists in Harpenden.  But would a random allocation system make matters any better?  At least now you know where you do or do not stand a chance of getting a place, but if it is random it seems to be even more of a lottery!  But at least it means that the people who are not well placed for any of Harpenden's schools stand a chance of getting a place.  As soon as they have clarified their criteria it will be posted here!

Another big question is where the school will be located.  They are currently in negotiations regarding potential school premises and  are exploring a number of possible sites across the town; but will parents want to apply if the location his not confirmed?  Again, we will keep you updated! 

They have launched a website which has lots more information about the school: www.harpendenfreeschool.org.uk