New Schools Network

• NSN wanted to set up 'free schools' in England to ensure children receive a high quality education regardless of background. They wanted to set up academies so funding goes directly to schools rather than money being allocated by the CEA
• NSN started out as a thinktank and provided the government policy advice and advice to people and groups interested in establishing new schools
• The NSN faced criticism of cronyism and corruption due to such close links with the government (Rachel Wolf, founder, was Michael Gove's policy adviser when he was shadow children's secretary) and it received several government grants and they worked closely with the Department of Education