Support grows for Tooting free school

Dozens of parents attended two open meetings earlier this month and, as part of a wider public consultation, local headteachers have also voiced their approval for the proposals.

Now local MP Sadiq Khan has added his voice to the school's backers. This week he said: "There is clearly a need for this school in the proposed location, and I have confidence that with the backing of the council and an excellent local school, it will be a great success.

"This is a good plan and I'm pleased Wandsworth Council have been proactive in addressing this local need."

Parents in the area who have not yet done so can still voice their approval for the idea - but time is running out. The deadline for responding to Graveney's consultation on its proposals is this coming Friday, February 24. To take part, visit http://www.graveney.org/.

Graveney's aim is to open a new primary age free school in Franciscan Road in September 2013. It would be located in the Professional Centre - a former school building that has been used for many years as a training centre for teachers and to house a number of educational services.

The new school would admit 60 pupils into two reception classes each year, eventually creating places for 420 children in total, covering an age range from four to 11.

It would be overseen by Graveney but would have its own headteacher and primary phase teachers. It would have standard admissions arrangements and would not be a feeder school for Graveney when its pupils transfer to secondary school.

"More primary school places are badly needed in Tooting and since Graveney is one of the most popular schools in the borough, with an excellent academic record, it is difficult to see who would be better placed to sponsor the new school we need," said cabinet member for children's services Cllr Kathy Tracey.