New Schools Network wins grant to advise free schools

From the Department for Education: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/department-for-education-awards-grant-to-new-schools-network

15 groups requested information about how to bid for the grant, with 3 applications being made.

The grant (value undisclosed) runs until 2016

The DfE letter to New Schools Network said:
'...the core activities the Department expects you to support through the grant funding are:

• Carrying-out the core advising activities in the pre-application stage 
• Supporting free schools in the pre-opening phase and supporting open free schools 
• Brokering support for free schools and academies
• Raising awareness and event management
• Developing and delivering a proactive media-led campaign to tell the free school story, in order to increase applications for free schools.

Other relevant activities as requested by the Secretary of State

People mentioned:
Mela Watts CBE Director, Free Schools Group
Victoria Dare
Natalie Evans