Toby Young encouragesTory speech teacher to set up free school

The teacher who attacked state education at the Conservative party conference looks set to open her own school - with the help of Toby Young.

Katharine Birbalsingh was shortlisted for a job at Young's West London free school after she lost her job at an academy in Southwark.

But writer Young felt she would be wasted as a deputy head and instead is encouraging her to go it alone.

He said: "I think that she's an immensely capable person and rather than squander her talents as deputy head of our school she should be setting up a free school of her own. It's what she's planning to do. If I can give her any help I certainly will. I am a huge fan."

Ms Birbalsingh lost her job as deputy head at St Michael and All Angels Academy in Camberwell after attacking the "culture of excuses". She used pictures of pupils from the school to illustrate the speech. The school is now closing.