Everton Free School

Welcome to Everton Free School and thank you for taking the time to look at our website.

Welcome to Everton Free School  and thank you for taking the time to visit our website.

I am proud to serve as Principal, having previously spent 12 years as Deputy Principal and Head of the Free School. During this time, I have witnessed the remarkable journey of our students and staff, and I am honoured to lead a school built on strong relationships, high expectations and a shared commitment to helping every young person succeed.

At Everton Free School, we use the power of sport to motivate and re-engage young people in education. Once engaged, students follow a structured curriculum including GCSEs in Sport, English, Maths and Science, alongside digital skills, personal development and a vocational pathway. Our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience underpin everything we do, ensuring students feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

As part of The People’s Learning Trust, we are continuing to build on our successes. Following my appointment as Principal, we were proud to be judged Outstanding in all five categories at our most recent Ofsted inspection in April 2024. This reflects the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our students and the strength of our school community.

My passion is ensuring every student realises their potential. I look forward to continuing to work closely with families and partners to ensure Everton Free School and Football College remains a special place to learn, grow and succeed.

Claire Lamontagne
Principal

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 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.

Latest News

Everton Defender James Tarkowski Joins Everton Free School’s
November 2025

Everton Defender James Tarkowski Joins Everton Free School’s

A special collaboration celebrating the heart and heritage of Goodison Park.

Everton Free School Raises £250 for Macmillan Cancer Support
October 2025

Everton Free School Raises £250 for Macmillan Cancer Support

Coffee, cake, and community spirit – raising funds for a vital cause

Exciting New Community Sessions for Children and Families
September 2025

Exciting New Community Sessions for Children and Families

Fun, Friends, and Family Time – New Community Sessions Start This September!

“A New Era for Goodison: Everton Football Club Unveils Visionary Future as Stadium Becomes Home to W
June 2025

“A New Era for Goodison: Everton Football Club Unveils Visionary ...

“A New Era for Goodison: Everton Football Club Unveils Visionary Future as Stadium Becomes Home to Women’s Football and Education”

Everton Free School’s Danielle Cooper Honoured at Royal Garden Party for Her Work with Vulnerable Yo
June 2025

Everton Free School’s Danielle Cooper Honoured at Royal Garden ...

Honouring Dedication, Celebrating Impact – Danielle Cooper Represents Everton Free School at Buckingham Palace