Frequently Asked Questions
What is a free school?
Free schools are independent, state-funded schools. They have the same legal status as academies.
Will free schools be able to make a profit?
No. Free schools can only be set up and owned by charities. The school will be run by the Head and their leadership team and they will be answerable to a Board of Governors.
Why has RFPS opened with only Reception classes?
Admissions to the school are taking place where demand for places has been identified. Rugby is a growing town and this school is sorely needed to meet basic need for places. We believe that we can meet that need with a great school. We believe by growing ergonomically, we can provide the best possible education.
Would you consider opening with additional year groups?
No. When starting a new school we believe that it is really important to nurture the first Reception year and make sure that everything possible is done to establish Rugby Free Primary as a great school with a unique culture.
Are free schools selective?
No. Free schools have to follow the new admissions code like all state-funded schools.
Where is the school and why was this location chosen?
We took over the stunning iKon building as our home, situated within the Central Park development in north Rugby. This was our preferred site from the outset as it offered high quality, flexible accommodation across two floors with an exterior space suitable to have both an early years outdoor learning area and a good sized playground including a sports court and trim trail. It also means that we offer the unique opportunity for many of our children to walk to school as lots of our children live in the surrounding area.
By Rugby Free Primary opening does it mean less money for the other schools in the area?
No. Funding for free schools is 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 Rugby Free Primary be inspected by Ofsted?
Yes. All free schools are subject to inspection in the same way as other academy category schools. Rugby Free Primary had a pre-registration Ofsted inspection which was extremely positive and identified that RFPS was ready to provide a high-quality education, in a safe environment. An Ofsted inspection will then take place within our first three years of opening.
Does Rugby Free Primary follow the National Curriculum?
Yes. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum which fulfils all aspects of the National Curriculum alongside offering our children a variety of experiences and developing them socially and morally as good future citizens.
Who is the Headteacher of Rugby Free Primary School?
Susan Milewski is the Headteacher of Rugby Free Primary School, She started at Easter 2015 and has led our school through both the pre opening and opening stages. She feel very privileged to continue to lead our school.
How will the school be accountable?
The school will be run by a Board of Governors who will be accountable to the Charitable Trust (Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow) which oversees the school. In addition the school will also be accountable to the Department for Education through the terms of its Funding Agreement. The DfE visits the school at least twice each year to ensure it provides a high quality education. The reports have been overwhelming positive on every occasion.
Is there nursery provision at the school?
Daisykins Day Nursery provides a private nursery on the school premises. Daisykins also opened in September 2015 alongside our school.
Does Rugby Free Primary School offer wraparound care?
Yes. We offer breakfast club, a wide range of after school activities and care club. Please see our enrichment page for more information about this.
What is the admissions policy?
Places will be offered to those living closest to the school, measured in a straight line distance from the school. Our full admissions policy is available here.
How can I apply for a place?
If your child is starting school for the first time, please apply using the standard Warwickshire application process putting RFPS as your first choice.
If your child wishes to transfer from a different school due to relocation or circumstances, please contact the school office as we currently manage our own in year admissions as a Trust.
What’s the best way to stay informed?
We update our website regularly so please keep checking for further information. We also send a newsletter to parents each week so feel free to read these in our news section to see what our children have been doing this week.