Education secretary Nick Morgan has described free schools as being “modern engines of social justice” in a speech to mark the opening of the latest application window for people to tender their proposals.

She said these not-for-profit institutions, which can be set up by parents, teachers, businesses and charities, will help to “break the cycle of disadvantage” because they “empower” parents to be more demanding of the education their children receive.

As part of its election manifesto pledge, the Conservative government promised that it would open up a further 500 free schools over the course of the next five years, which will create an additional 270,000 much-needed school places in England.

Presently, 254 are in operation, which, Ms Morgan says, are doing remarkably well. Research, she explained, shows that they are helping to raise standards in neighbouring schools.

“Free schools are at the heart of the government’s commitment to deliver real social justice by ensuring all pupils have access to a world class education,” she continued.

“This is at the core of our commitment to govern as one nation - creating a country where everyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their high aspirations.

“Half of all free schools are in the most deprived areas of the country, offering a fresh chance for families to break the cycle of disadvantage by providing a quality of schooling never before seen in many communities.”

Unlike other state schools, free schools are not managed by local authorities. While they receive funding from central government, they are afforded a high level of autonomy.

For example, they don’t have to follow the national curriculum, can set their own pay for teachers and can plan the school year as they see fit (term times can be bespoke to their ethos).

They are however subject to the same inspections as other schools, with Ofsted overseeing this.