Private sector interest in free schools

This weekend the BBC reported the high level of private sector interest in free schools.

Of course, for-profit companies cannot launched their own free schools. Michael Gove has stated that a not-for-profit governing body must always oversee a school even if for-profit company runs things on a day-to-day basis.

I would prefer free schools (and many other public services) to be run a mutual not-for-profit basis. Mutuals involve their customers, motivate their staff, build trust when there are conflicting interests and/information inequalities. However, I do think that the ban on for-profits is unfortunate. It will, to a greater or lesser extent, reduce the choice offered to parents.