Everything you need to know
Answers to the most common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a free school?
Free schools are independent, state-funded schools with the same legal status as academies.
Are free schools selective?
No. Free schools have to follow the new admissions code in the same way as all state-funded schools.
Will free schools be able to make a profit?
No. Free schools are run on a not-for-profit basis by a charitable trust. The school will be run by the Head of School and their leadership team and they will be answerable to a Board of Governors.
Will this new school opening in the area mean less money for the other schools in the area?
No. Funding for free schools is equivalent to the funding of maintained schools and academies in the same local authority area. The opening of a free school does not mean that the overall funding available in an area goes down. However, the total funding an individual school receives will depend on the number of pupils attending.
Who runs the school?
Overstone Gate Primary School was established by Wootton Park Academy Trust, which runs the ‘Outstanding’ Wootton Park School.
Who is the Headteacher?
Our Headteacher is Mrs Kayleigh Smith, formerly Vice Principal at Wootton Park School. She is supported by Dan Rosser, Chief Executive Officer of Wootton Park Academy Trust and founding Principal of Wootton Park School.
How is the school be accountable?
The school is run by a Local Advisory Board, which is accountable to the charitable trust which oversees the school. In addition, the school is accountable to the Department for Education through the terms of its Funding Agreement.
Where is the school be located?
A flagship state-of-the-art sustainable school is being built at the Overstone Leys development, to the East of the A43 bypass between Moulton and Overstone Village.
As our new brand-new school is scheduled for completion by April 2026, our Reception pupils are being hosted at Wootton Park School, our sister school and also part of the Wootton Park Academy Trust, for the first two terms, between September 2025 and March 2026.
Will Overstone Gate Primary School be inspected by Ofsted?
Yes. All free schools are subject to inspection in the same way as other academy category schools. The school was inspected by Ofsted prior to opening and will be subject to termly visits from the Department for Education during its first year.
Are you only accepting applications for Reception pupils?
The new primary school opened in September 2025 with one Reception class (30 places) and will continue to admit a new Reception intake each year, growing to reach its capacity as a two-form entry school (420 pupils), in line with increased housing growth and demand.
How can I apply for a place for my child/children?
Register your interest in Overstone Gate Primary School
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