FAQ

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It has been wonderful for us to meet so many parents across the Island. Here are some of the questions that we are often asked. If you have a question for us, then please get in contact and we would be pleased to help.

Free schools are new state schools. They are free to attend, but they are also free from politicians’ control. They have the freedom to choose their own curriculum, set their own term dates and pay and conditions for staff, and control how their budget is spent. They are free to operate according to what local parents want and local pupils need.

The Island Free School offers a fully academic curriculum with all pupils studying for the English Baccalaureate.

Every pupil in key stage 3 studies Latin as a pre-cursor to learning a modern foreign language.
The school ensures that all pupils are given the opportunity to play a musical instrument in Key Stage 3 and that they have the opportunity to continue playing an instrument in Key Stage 4.

We have a longer school day than the other local schools, which incorporates one hour of extra-curricular activities. During this time pupils and staff engage in sports, creative and community activities with the opportunity for independent study in Key Stage 4.

The Island Free School is based in Ventnor on the southern coast of the Isle of Wight. We moved to our new purpose built school in upper Ventnor during the summer of 2017.

We employ a team of dedicated staff who share our vision and commitment to providing the best education possible. The size of the school ensures that all pupils are seen as individual members of the school community. We expect continual parental involvement in the life of the school.

You need to apply to us – and apply to your local authority (that’s the Isle of Wight Council, if you live on the Island). Take the first step and apply online here or download an application form and return it to us. If you would like us to send you a paper copy of the form, then please contact us.

On the admission form, check the box asking for your child to be considered under the musical aptitude criterion, and you will be informed of the dates for the test. Please note, this applies to Year 7 applications only (not in-year).

We will try very hard to accommodate all pupils who would like to attend. However, if applications exceed the Published Admission Number (PAN) of 125 pupils, then we must follow our over-subscription policy. For more information on our Admissions Policy and how to appeal please click here.