Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the nature of freedom within a markedly different type of educational establishment, described as 'radical free schools'. In the UK, 'Free Schools' were created as part of the Academies Act 2010, and nearly 500 new Free Schools have opened in the primary, secondary, alternative provision and special education sectors. Through investigating the original free schools, several central issues emerge that need to be considered and effectively addressed within radical free schools. Neoliberal governments around the world have drawn on the discourse of freedom to justify their education policies, such as those establishing Free Schools, Charter Schools and Academies. The book brings case study examples of radical schools that use freedom in interesting ways and makes the argument that freedom needs to be allied with a commitment to advancing social justice.