This paper discusses the rise and possible fall of the Free Schools movement in England. The arguments here are taken from a collection of government reports, education charitable trust's papers, press reports and articles written by champions of the Free School movement. It does appear from examining the presented evidence, that the initial idea of the involvement of parents and teachers in establishing these schools has not been a success, due to the time and bureaucracy involved in founding such schools, to meet the required criteria. Often, rather than providing needed school places in areas of shortage, many such schools have been established in areas where there is a glut of school places. It appears that the underlying belief that this movement would empower and liberate teachers away from the restrictive national curriculum has not succeeded. However, despite ongoing problems with Free Schools, there are some who believe they are a real alternative to the structured and controlled state schools following the dictates of the national curriculum. At present it is impossible to say if the venture has been a success or not, but there are certainly serious concerns over some of the schools which have been established; those that have failed and those that do not really intend to serve the need for parental choice. In addition, the costs of this venture, when finances for schools have been severely curtailed in England in the last few years, raises the question as to whether this initiative is providing value for money. [For the complete Volume 17 proceedings, see ED596826.]