Michael Gove ‘delighted’ to approve 46 more London free schools

 
Joseph Watts22 May 2013
WEST END FINAL

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Education Secretary Michael Gove today approved dozens of new “free schools” in London which will deliver an extra 22,000 classroom places.

Mr Gove announced that a further 102 new schools could open across the country from September next year, of which 46 will be in the capital.

London Councils has estimated the city needs an extra 118,000 school places by 2016 to avoid a crisis.

Any group can apply to open a free school using government cash. Teachers, parents, charities, faith groups and even a DJ have shown interest.

Mr Gove said: “There are many innovators in local communities set on raising standards of education for their children. I am delighted to approve so many of their high-quality plans.”

There are 81 free schools across the country, 28 of which are in the capital, with 109 more already approved to open this year. Of the London schools approved to open next year, 35 are mainstream and 11 are special needs.

They include the East London Academy of Music in Tower Hamlets for 16 to 19 year olds, which is supported by DJ Will Kennard, one half of drum-and-bass duo Chase and Status.

Also approved today is a sixth form for 500 pupils to be set up by the Harris Federation and Westminster School; a National Autistic Society Free School in Lambeth for 78 pupils; and The Family School in Westminster which will take children aged five to 14 with complex mental health problems. Some free schools have failed to find a venue but changes to planning laws due this month will make it easier to open at sites not previously related to education.

Labour’s shadow schools minister Kevin Brennan said of the Conservatives: “Their damaging focus on their own pet projects is failing to put our children first.”

‘We’ll be way into music industry’

A leading electronic music producer said today he hopes his free school will break down the barriers into the industry for hundreds of talented youngsters from deprived neighbourhoods.

The East London Academy of Music in Tower Hamlets is the project of Will Kennard, who with Saul Milton makes up London-based production duo Chase & Status.

Over the next year more than 140 children aged 16-19 will be enrolled to learn technical, performance and business skills aimed at making them “music industry-ready professionals”. Mr Kennard said: “The idea was to provide world-class education in music and the music industry to the type of young people who might not usually get those opportunities.”

Michael Howie

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