I am sure you are aware of the coalition government’s plans for new Free Schools. It has had a great deal of coverage in the press, both in national broadsheets and educational papers and it has been met with opposing views. Whatever views you may hold on this area of debate, we cannot ignore that our American counterparts delivering KIPP (Knowledge is Power Programme) is radically changing the way of education.

I would like to open a Free School in Ely and am currently in the process of submitting my application to the DfES. Having met with the local press and being in conversations with Cambridgeshire County Council it is now time to inform local schools of my plans and hopefully receive your backing as the public. I would like to set up a further secondary school in Ely.

Ely is a constantly growing city and whether that is what we want or not, it is inevitably going to happen and at a much accelerated rate. I believe that a city which is soon to have its third supermarket and another leisure centre surely would benefit another secondary school. A school which would focus strongly on discipline, the Gifts and talents of pupils and the success of all pupils both academically and within citizenship.

I do not intend this school to be a competitor to the already existing secondary school, but to work in collaboration, thus creating two secondary schools which can give the best education to their pupils. I believe that parents should be able to have a choice for their child’s education and that choice should be without having to pay for it, therefore enabling all walks of life to choose the best for their child.

If you would like to find out more about myself and my work you can follow me on twitter: hannahtotman or you can join the group 'ely free school' on facebook. please feel free to email me with comments and questions on hannahtotman@hotmail.co.uk

many thanks Hannah