In a speech at the Policy Exchange think-tank, education secretary Michael Gove confirmed that ‘more than a dozen free schools’ are expected to open this year.
Mr Gove said that the first free schools would open just seven to 12 months after submitting their initial plans to the Department for Education.
‘We are not being prescriptive about free schools and so they come in all shapes and sizes,’ he said.
Among those opening this September is the Norwich Free school, a primary school for four to-11-year-olds, which will integrate education and childcare.
Mr Gove said, 'The school will be sited right in the heart of Norwich, so that working parents can make full use of the extended school provision, which will be available on the school premises for six days each week, 51 weeks of the year.'
Mr Gove went on to say that some free schools will open in existing schools and refurbished school buildings, but other sites include a former library and an office building.
The education secretary also confirmed that the Department for Education had received 281 applications from groups wishing to set up free schools from September 2012.
Of these applications, 77 are for primary schools, 81 for secondary schools, 65 for all through schools and four for 16-19 schools.
Of the remaining applications, 34 are for ‘alternative provision’, for example pupil referral units, and 20 are for schools for children with special educational needs.
Mr Gove said, ‘Even when there are places at local schools, they're not necessarily the type of school places parents are happy with. A choice between two things you don't want is hardly a choice at all. Free schools offer a genuine alternative - and they have the freedom to be different.’
