Free School Presumption Competition Bids

When a local authority needs a new school, it usually has to seek a trust to open a free school through what is known as the presumption route, and it runs a presumption competition to choose one. For trusts, a presumption competition can be a valuable opportunity to grow in a planned, well-supported way. It also means a demanding specification, a formal evaluation, and a very clear deadline, often landing in the middle of a busy term.

Our local authority presumption competition bid service helps trusts put forward a clear, credible, child-centred proposal. Below, we explain what is involved and how we work with you.

What is the free school presumption route?

Under the presumption route, a local authority that identifies the need for a new school seeks proposals from trusts and sponsors to run it. The authority sets out a specification, invites bids, and evaluates them, usually including an interview or presentation, before a recommendation goes to the Department for Education (DfE), which makes the final decision.

A presumption bid has to respond precisely to that specification. It must show a strong education vision for the new school, a clear understanding of the local community, the trust’s capacity to open and run it, and a realistic plan for the years when pupil numbers are still growing.

Who are presumption competition bids for?

It is designed for multi-academy trusts, and trusts that are about to form or grow, bidding to open new mainstream, special, or alternative provision schools through local authority competitions. It suits trusts bidding for the first time and experienced bidders who want a skilled writer and an honest critical reader. It also connects well with our academy conversion and MAT growth support for trusts planning their wider growth strategy.

What does our presumption competition bid support include?

We tailor the support to the specification and your trust, but the typical offer includes:

• A close analysis of the specification, evaluation criteria, and mandatory requirements
• A bid plan with sections, evidence, owners, and deadlines
• Writing and editing of the education vision, curriculum, inclusion, and SEND sections
• Community engagement and local partnership evidence
• Trust capacity, growth strategy, governance, and school improvement model sections
• Alignment of staffing, phased growth, and financial plans
• A critical read against the criteria before submission
• Presentation and interview preparation for your trust leaders

How does our bid support help your trust win a presumption competition?

How our presumption competition bid support works

• We start by reading the specification with you and agreeing whether and how to bid.
• We build a bid plan and gather evidence through short, focused conversations with your team.
• We draft each section, you review, and we refine.
• We complete a final check against the criteria and mandatory requirements.
• We prepare your leaders for interview or presentation.

What you get at the end

• A complete, compliant, and well-evidenced bid ready for submission
• An education vision that is distinctive, local, and inclusive
• Consistent growth, staffing, and finance plans
• A leadership team prepared for evaluation

Key features of our service

Specification-led writing
Every section is built around what the local authority has asked for and how it will score.

Education and inspection expertise
Our consultants have led and inspected schools, so the education case is grounded in practice.

Strength in specialist provision
Particularly valuable where a competition is for a special school or alternative provision.

Frequently asked questions about presumption competition

Who decides who wins a presumption competition?

The local authority assesses the bids against its specification, often with an interview or presentation, and makes a recommendation. The Department for Education then makes the final decision on which trust will open the new school.

What do local authorities look for in a presumption bid?

Authorities usually look for a strong education vision matched to the local community, a genuinely inclusive approach to SEND and vulnerable pupils, clear evidence that the trust can open and run the school well, sensible plans for the years when numbers are growing, and good engagement with local families and schools.

How long do trusts have to respond to a presumption competition?

Timescales are set by each local authority and are often only a matter of weeks. Reading the specification early and agreeing a bid plan straight away gives your trust the best chance of a complete, well-evidenced submission.

Can a trust bid for a special school or alternative provision through the presumption route?

Yes. Many recent presumption competitions have been for special schools and alternative provision, as authorities create more local specialist places. These bids need a precise, child-centred model, which is where our specialist experience is most useful.

Is the presumption route the same as a DfE central wave?

No. A central wave is run nationally by the DfE, while a presumption competition is run by a local authority for a specific school it needs. If you are applying in a central wave, see our free school application writing service.

Why choose Jarvis Education for your presumption competition bid?

We work with trusts and local authorities across England, and our founder is a former His Majesty’s Inspector. We understand both sides of a presumption competition: what a local authority needs from a new school, and what it takes for a trust to deliver it. Our advice is honest and practical, and it always comes back to the children and young people the new school will serve.

Next steps & how to get started

• Speak to one of our experts. Share the specification and deadline, and we will give you a frank view of your chances and what the bid will need.
• Once we agree the scope, we confirm everything in writing and start the bid plan straight away.
• Contact us today to discuss your local authority presumption competition bid.
• We are ready to support your trust to make its strongest case.