The increasingly prominent charity, the New Schools Network, is on the lookout for a new director, as it embarks on the task of helping the newly elected Conservative government to create “at least” 500 free schools. 

The charity started out with just a handful of staff when it was established in 2010, but it has become gradually more powerful as the number of free schools has continued to rise.

The outfit is now seeking a new director after the previous incumbent, Baroness Evans, was appointed as a goverment whip in David Cameron’s recent reshuffle. The move follows the prime minister’s decision to hand her a peerage last year. 

The appointment shows how highly regarded the charity is in the prime minister’s eyes, and how prized free schools are as a piece of Conservative policy. 

Mr Cameron pledged to create “at least” 500 free schools over this Parliament, which will bring the overall number near to the 1,000 mark by 2020. 

On leaving the role, Lady Evans said: “Having the opportunity to work with so many committed teachers, parents and charity leaders as they strive to set up new schools during my time at NSN has been an absolute privilege. I know that the success and popularity of free schools will continue to grow and the team will go from strength to strength.”