Artist's impression of Burlington Danes Primary School
Two new free schools are planning to open in Hammersmith and Fulham after the government gave the go-ahead.
The outstanding Bridge AP Academy in Finlay Street, Fulham which already teaches pupils aged 11-16 who have been excluded from mainstream schools is planning to open an academic AP free school.
The new free school for 16 to 19-year-olds will have a capacity for 50 pupils who have been excluded from mainstream schools but who have the talent and ability to go to university. It will teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma to students who will be supported by a rigorous mentoring programme that will help them meet high academic standards.
It will open in September 2016 subject to final approval by the secretary of state.
Executive headteacher Seamus Oates, said: “It is fantastic news that we are finally able to realise our long term goal of providing a supported route into university for our more academically able young people who have had a troubled or disrupted educational experience.”
The Burlington Danes Academy, given an outstanding rating by Ofsted, will be expanding in September with the opening of a two-form entry primary school.
The new primary school building will be located on Burlington Danes’ existing 10-acre site and will mean ARK Burlington Danes Academy will cater for children aged 4-18. The primary school will benefit from being part of an established academy with excellent facilities including a performing arts theatre and a 3G sports pitch.
The primary school building will accommodate 420 primary and 30 nursery students when full, and will have a separate secure outdoor space.
Michael Ribton, Principal of ARK Burlington Danes Academy, said; “I am really excited that we will open a primary school, enabling Burlington Danes to offer an all-through education developing really strong relationships with each individual child from reception through to sixth form.”
Cllr Sue Macmillan, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “We are delighted to see these two highly successful schools expand. It is great news for children and parents in our borough.
“We are determined that young people in H&F have the best possible starts to their lives, and the expansion of these two schools will help achieve that.”
