Youth Work and State Education: Should Youth Workers Apply to Set Up a Free School?

The UK Coalition Government’s new policy on Free Schools presents a dilemma for youth workers. Is there any possibility of establishing a ‘youth worker – led Free School’ based on the principles and values of youth work? Do the potential pitfalls make this too risky to even consider? This article outlines the policy on Free Schools, and assesses the potential for youth workers to run a radical and creative alternative to mainstream education. It includes a summary of the key issues to consider, and concludes with a suggestion about which types of Free Schools are most likely to be consistent with the values and principles of youth work.