homes and offices may become schools

Potential sites will include using residential and comm-ercial property as schools without the need for ‘change of use’ consent.

There will also be an extension of powers to protect existing schools sites, to make sure they are kept available for use by new schools where there is demand.

All applicants for new schools will be checked for their suitability as part of an approval process.

When writing the proposal, groups will have to set out the aims and objectives of the new school, the main people and organisations involved in the project, evidence of parental demand, an outline of the curriculum and their teaching methods and possible premises that have been considered.

At a later date successful groups will have to complete a full business plan including setting out the school’s financial viability.