It’s not every day that you get to meet the Prime Minister – but Headmaster Mr Steph Boyd, from The Island Free School, found himself face to face with the Rt Hon David Cameron on Monday 13 October, at a reception held in London’s historic Lancaster House.

“Mr Cameron was extremely well informed about schools on the Isle of Wight”, reports Mr Boyd (pictured above with the PM). “He knows all about the difficulties that the Island has experienced during the transition from a three tier to a two tier system. He was also aware that The Island Free School is already having an impact on the educational landscape – and helping to raise standards and aspirations.”

The reception was hosted by education charity, New Schools Network, and over 200 new schools were represented at the event, including The Island Free School (please see the photo below – Mr Boyd is at the top of the stairs on the right).

“The success of free schools has been remarkable”, commented the Prime Minister. “The creation of 251 new free schools in just four and a half years, with three-quarters of them being rated good or outstanding, is something to be incredibly proud of.”

“Free schools bring innovation, create choice and competition, and raise standards – and I whole-heartedly believe that they are driving an extraordinary and beneficial change in Britain.”

Education Secretary, the Rt Hon Nicky Morgan, added: “I am immensely proud of everything that has been achieved through the free schools programme in a relatively short space of time. This programme is a vital part of our wider plan for improving education in the Isle of Wight.”

FREE SCHOOL FACTS
Over 250 free schools are now open in every region of England.
More than 110 are due to open from September 2015 onwards.
Once full these schools will provide nearly 200,000 new school places.