FAQs

Everything you need to know

Answers to the most common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a free school?

Free schools are independent, state-funded schools with the same legal status as academies.

Why is a new primary school needed?

The new primary school is needed to support growing demand for high-quality primary school places at the new Overstone Leys development, as identified by the West Northamptonshire Council. The school will help increase parental choice and diversity of local primary provision in the area.

Will free schools be 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 Principal and their leadership team and they will be answerable to a Board of Governors.

Where will the school be located?

The school is scheduled to open at the Overstone Leys development in a flagship state-of-the-art sustainable new build located just off the A43 bypass.

Who will run the school?

Overstone Park Primary School is being established by Northampton Free School Trust, which runs the ‘Outstanding’ Wootton Park School. The Trust is in the process of forming its own multi-academy trust to run its family of schools. Their experienced pre-opening team will be led by their Chief Executive and Principal of Wootton Park School, Dan Rosser, until the appointment of a Principal Designate with the additional support of West Northamptonshire Council and the Department for Education to ensure a successful opening.

Are you only accepting applications for Reception pupils?

The new primary school is set to open in September 2025 with one Reception class (30 places) and grow to reach its capacity as a two-form entry school (420 pupils), in line with increased housing growth and demand.

How will the school be accountable?

The school will be run by a Local Advisory Board who will be accountable to the charitable trust which oversees the school. In addition, the school will also be accountable to the Department for Education through the terms of its Funding Agreement.

Are free schools selective?

No. Free schools have to follow the new admissions code in the same way as all state-funded schools.

Will a new school opening in the area mean less money for the other schools in the area?

No. Funding for free schools will be equivalent to the funding of maintained schools and academies in the same local authority area. The opening of a free school does not mean that the overall funding available in an area goes down. However, the total funding an individual school receives will depend on the number of pupils attending.

Will Overstone Park Primary School be inspected by Ofsted?

Yes. All free schools are subject to inspection in the same way as other academy category schools. The school will also be inspected by Ofsted prior to opening and will be subject to termly visits from the Department for Education during its first year.

Have you chosen a Head for the school?

Yes. We have appointed an exceptional Head of School, Mrs Natalie Green, who is currently Associate Vice Principal at Wootton Park School. Mrs Green will start in post in January 2025 and will be supported by Chief Executive Officer Dan Rosser, founding Principal of Wootton Park School.

How can I apply for a place for my child/children?
Register your interest in Overstone Park Primary School

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