Abel Cheng of Parent Wonder tipped me off to this article which covers the stories of four different sets of people that have started their own schools. Two of the families because of poor state education, one a specialist autistic shool, and the other specialising in teaching those with dyslexia.

The story that caught my attention most was the second piece about ‘The Family School at Larkhall’. The school is set in the “heart of London” which is interesting in itself, one expects such schools to be rural if anywhere at all, but to opt out of an established school system in Britain’s capital is brave to say the least, and then to start your own school, some would find the concept complete bonkers. I, however, admire the parent that looks at the options presented to them and their children and rejects them in favour of something they believe to be superior. At this school the parents are even expected to be ‘on-site’ at least one day a week to help with cooking lunches, driving etc.. now that’s commitment for you. This obviously would not be possible for all british parents as our work schedules simply wouldn’t allow it, this is an idealist scenario that is working for a small band of parents and I’m sure their children will reap the rewards.

Coincidentally on my next reading of my RSS feed, I find this story covering the opening of a parent led school, this time on a larger scale - the school has 380 pupils.

So are these schools merely fashionable at the moment or is this the start of a rejection of the state system and all its inadequacies?

Personally I don’t think there’s much scope for these type of schools to become the norm, although, it’s a nice idea. I do think the government needs to take heed and accept that there are many many parents who are dissatisfied with the education system and the ‘one size fits all’ approach, and some parents like those in these news reports who are rejecting it outright.

Luckily, I think if anyone can revolutionise the education system Gordon Brown can, he seems to have a genuine and vested interest in our schools and young people.