Whether or not any discrimination actually transpires amongst free schools remains to be seen, but the scope for doing so is increased when schools are responsible for their own admissions and appeals system. There is little transparency.

The source of any ideological opposition to free schools has its roots in this costly experimentation with our children's education in accordance with the rather woolly and unfounded ideology of the Torys which is supported rather silently I have to say, by the Lib Dems. The concern is that vast amounts of money are being spent on a rushed, random, cobbled together job with little foresight and planning, and with no accountability to the taxpayer. A bidding round closes in mid February for schools intending to be up and running in September 2011, staff and governors selected and vetted, premises found, planning obtained ( that could take months) and works done, pupils selected, and all the curriculum agreed, libraries stocked etc. Do people really believe that is possible and so easy to do, and can by any accounts constitute good needs analysis and strategic delivery of education provision. Its quite a risk, in this age of austerity, don't you think , to pour funds into such unproven ventures which are effectively education start ups? New business ventures have a high failure rate, no matter what the good intentions are.

In addition the government have stated that fully qualified teacher status is not required- teachers are only required to be competent. But competent in what exactly if not put through the rigours of Uk teacher training courses followed by the tough NQT experience.