Courts to become free schools

Two London courts are to be closed and converted into free schools as the Government tries to find enough space to house pupils.

Haringey magistrates' court and Balham youth court, described as "surplus or under used" could reopen as schools in 2013.

It follows warnings that London children may have to be taught in shifts for lack of classroom space. An extra 70,000 school places are needed by 2014, councils say.

The Government wants more publicly owned buildings to be given over. Katharine Birbalsingh, the former Southwark deputy head who criticised education standards, wants to open a free school and says the Balham building "could be perfect".