Latest wave of free schools named
Prime Minister David Cameron today announced six new free schools in the North West, among 49 across England.
In total more than 400 free schools, which are funded by government but not controlled by a local authority, have been approved since 2010, creating more than 230,000 school places across the country.
The six schools planned in the North West are:
North Cestrian School in Altrincham, Cheshire. From September 2016 the North Cestrian Grammar School will become a free school. The school was previously fee-paying but will form a partnership with Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
The Olive School in Bolton. To be run by Tauheedul Trust, which already runs Tauheedul Islam Girls High School in Blackburn. Olive School will be a new Muslim faith primary school and is due to open in 2016.
The Olive School in Preston. Another by Tauheedul Trust, this new Muslim faith primary school in 2016. This will be the trust's second free school in Preston once Eden School opens this year.
The Orchards in Trafford. The Orchards will open in September 2016 to provide an education to primary pupils with complex learning difficulties. The school will have close links with Trafford Council and will cater for 80 pupils
Cheadle Hulme Primary School near Stockport. The Cheadle Hulme Trust, the group behind the secondary school of the same name, will open the 420-place Cheadle Hulme Primary School in 2016.
Christleton International Studio in Chester, Cheshire. Christleton International Studio in Chester will be sponsored by Christleton High School, in partnership with Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The studio school will specialise in business and enterprise, with capacity for 330 students.
Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: "Free schools give pupils the chance to attend an excellent local school. They are providing more choice than ever before to parents and ensuring that children have access to a high quality school place and the best possible education that prepares them for life in modern Britain.
Labour said free schools were being built in areas where there was no shortage of school places and one third of free schools were underperforming.
