Everton in the Community created history when it became the first Club - Community scheme in the country to be awarded funding by the government to open a free school; a ground-breaking initiative for young people across Merseyside.
Everton Free School opened its doors in September 2012 as the first Alternative Provision Free School of its kind in the UK. Since its inception, it has achieved numerous milestones and has firmly established itself as a highly regarded and sought-after Alternative Provision option for schools and local authorities across the Liverpool City Region and beyond. The school has consistently performed well under scrutiny from the Department for Education, Ofsted, and external improvement partners, and now operates as a strategically and operationally effective school and college.
Everton Football College caters to 200 sixth-form students and has built an excellent reputation for academic success and student experience opportunities. The college’s tutors are fully qualified teachers who support and encourage students to fulfil their potential both inside and outside the classroom. A variety of educational pathways and enrichment opportunities are offered to ensure students are prepared for work, university, or scholarships, many of which are unique to the Football College due to its strong ties with the Everton Family. In addition to core academic subjects, students have the opportunity to pursue additional qualifications and experiences. Beyond playing football, students can study coaching awards and gain volunteer experience with Everton in the Community. All students undertake meaningful work experience, both locally and internationally, to prepare for their future aspirations.
Everton Football College has completed its fifth year of delivering a Sport Development and Coaching Foundation Degree in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Due to the success of the delivery model, LJMU granted validation for the college to deliver a Level 6 top-up, resulting in the offering of a full BSc (Hons) Sport Development and Coaching degree, which began in September 2023.
In April 2024, Everton Free School was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all five categories: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Sixth Form provision. This followed two previous 'Good' inspections in 2014 and 2018.
Following over 12 months of strategic work, on 1st April 2024, Everton Free School and Football College transitioned from single academy trust status to multi-academy trust status with the formation of The People’s Learning Trust. It is a source of great pride that Everton Football Club is the only Premier League club to lead a developing multi-academy trust, dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes for children and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Free Schools?
Free Schools were introduced by the Government to bring greater choice and diversity into the world of education. These opportunities offer Free School proposers greater flexibility with the curriculum, innovative links to employers and new ways to support young people.
What inspired Everton in the Community to investigate the possibility of opening an Alternative Provision Free School?
When the Government announced the opportunities for Free Schools in 2010 the invitation was there for charities to become serious providers of learning. The Everton in the Community Board of Trustees decided to investigate how a Free School could be secured. Everton in the Community provides outstanding community provision, dealing with more than 30,000 participants a year. The charity has a strong track record in the education field, particularly through the Level 3 BTEC Extended National Diploma in Sport course which boasts a 100% pass rate and is the equivalent of three A-Levels. The board of Everton in the Community decided a Free School should be the next step in the development of community provision and education.
What range of students does the school serve?
The age range is 13-19 and mixed gender. Students are referred to Everton Free School at the end of Year 9 or during Year 10 and 11.
How many young people will the school take?
The school has an intake of up to 120 students age 13-16, and up to 200 post 16.
What is the curriculum?
Students follow individually tailored learning programmes with an emphasis on choice and challenge. Each student is given a personalised assessment when they join Everton Free School. This is done in close consultation with the student and their family, supervised directly by the Head of School. The curriculum is integral to the personal and professional development of students and aims to inspire positive attitudes to learning. Work-based learning opportunities and 'authentic learning experiences' are a central feature of the provision. The Free School also works with partners to continue developing innovative curriculum models which maximise student progression and life chances.
What support has Everton Free School received?
Everton Free School has had fantastic support from local authorities, agencies and other schools, colleges and universities. The school is also working closely with industry associates and community partners to develop an exciting curriculum with 'authentic learning' opportunities. To see a list of partners, click here.
Who pays for the Free School?
The set-up of the Free School, including capital and start-up costs, has been agreed with the Department for Education. The cost of each student place is funded by the Education Funding Agency and, in some cases, 'topped-up' by a 'commissioner'. A 'commissioner' is the organisation that needs the place for a student, for instance, a school, academy or local authority.
What is the investment from Everton Football Club?
Everton Football Club supports the Free School with generous 'in kind' investments. The ethos and philosophy of the Club informs our values within the School - teamwork, dedication and commitment. A fantastic relationship with the Club means that the Free School benefits from access to first-team players, resources and facilities as well as support from professionals around the Club.
How can Evertonians support this initiative?
There are many opportunities for Everton fans to be involved, whether that is providing sponsorship, opportunities for employment or mentoring young people. Everton Free School is committed to strong community integration and engaging with Evertonians is important.
Is the school only for Evertonians?
No. Everton Free School welcomes and supports young people irrespective of whether they support Everton Football Club, Liverpool Football Club or have any other sporting allegiance.
