Written question asked by Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 18 November 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 November 2010. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Monday, 10 January 2011 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Science: Education

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to ensure a high standard of science education, including practical science, in free schools.

Answer: [holding answer 23 November 2010]: Academies and free schools are required to teach science as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, but are not required to follow the national curriculum. This freedom allows teachers and schools to develop a creative and innovative teaching environment and to exercise their professional judgment on how to give all their pupils the best possible opportunities to learn about science, including the most able and those needing additional support.Like maintained schools and other academies, free schools will be inspected by Ofsted. There will be clear expectations around the outcomes they are expected to achieve, including in science, and they will be held accountable against those expectations.

Secondary information