Imagine a school where you decide what you learn, a place that throws the rulebook out the window. This was what the Really Free School aimed to be. It sprouted from the politically charged soil of London in early 2011, driven by activists who were fed up with the traditional, hierarchical structures of education. Nestled in squatted buildings, these schools were wild, unconventional spaces where anyone willing to share knowledge became both teacher and student. It all began as students and educators responded to government cuts in education funding that left many feeling disillusioned about the future of learning.
The Really Free School operated on principles of open access and communal knowledge. Schools popped up in various locations, often in buildings that were otherwise left empty and forgotten. These spaces drew in diverse crowds—from artists and academics to curious locals—creating a melting pot of ideas and creativity. But more than the location, it was the ethos that attracted people: learning should be free, accessible, and flexible, not confined by the rigid structures of the formal education system.
At the heart of the Really Free School was a rejection of the commodification of education. Participants believed that learning shouldn't carry a financial burden and wanted to challenge the growing trend of education being treated as a product. Underlying this movement was a critique of societal systems that put profit over people. They saw education as a public good, something that should nurture the individual rather than prepare them for the economic marketplace.
The curriculum, if it could be called that, was spontaneous and often depended on who was willing to host a session. These sessions ranged from philosophy discussions and poetry readings to yoga classes and practical skills like bike repair. This fluidity tackled the boredom and rigidity of traditional schooling systems, creating an environment open to all forms of learning and expression.
Not everyone was on board with the Really Free School's way of doing things. Some critics pointed out that without formal structure, learning could become chaotic or lack depth. Others were skeptical about the effectiveness of such an education model in preparing individuals for the real world. Despite these concerns, advocates of the Really Free School argued that flexibility and adaptability were precisely the skills needed in an ever-changing world.
Moreover, the lack of hierarchy meant that everyone had an equal voice. This democratic approach broke down barriers between the teacher and students, fostering collaboration and innovation. However, its reliance on unstructured teaching and a lack of formal qualifications posed challenges for those who recognized traditional benchmarks of success.
But, the Really Free School was as much about community as it was about education. It provided a platform for people to connect meaningfully beyond their professional and educational identities. In a world that often prioritizes personal accomplishment and status, these schools offered a refreshing reminder of the power of collective effort.
The Really Free School eventually faced the harsh realities of legal issues and evictions, which brought many of the pop-up schools to an end. However, its legacy lingers in movements that continue to question and challenge traditional education systems around the world. It sparked conversations about what education could and should be, highlighting the value of learning that extends beyond monetary costs and predefined curricula.
Ultimately, the Really Free School movement was an experiment in radical educational reform. It didn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution but instead raised important questions about who should have access to education and what that education should look like. For Generation Z, navigating a world where education costs are climbing while job markets are shifting, the principles of the Really Free School offer a fresh perspective on what's truly needed for future generations to flourish.