Greg Hands M.P. has congratulated Fulham Boys School following the approval of its application to open a free Church of England secondary school for boys by the Department for Education.
Fulham Boys School aims to open in September 2013, with its first intake of 120 year 7 boys. A site has yet to be confirmed, but negotiations will now progress as a priority, along with its plans to recruit a head teacher.
The announcement is the result of many years of campaigning by Fulham parents and the Government’s creation of free schools, which are rapidly expanding in number. The proposed admissions policy will give priority to Church of England families for 50% of the places, if oversubscribed, with the other 50% open to families from all faiths and none.
There was more good news for local parents in the other approvals granted, with a new primary school attached to the West London Free School also set to open in September 2013.
Praising the decisions, Greg Hands M.P. said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the Fulham Boys School get approval.
“This is a project that I’ve been supporting right from the start. It hasn’t always been easy, but all those involved have been triumphantly rewarded for their hard work.
“Well done to them, well done to the Government for approving it, well done to the West London Free School too, and roll on the openings next year.”
Fulham Boys School Chair, Alex Wade, said: “This is fantastic news for Fulham parents. There’s currently a big gap locally at secondary level for boys, and we’re delighted that the Department has bought into our vision for an outstanding education, specifically designed to raise local aspirations and bring out the best in boys.”
FBS director and Fulham parent, Jonny Ambrose, said: “We owe huge thanks to everyone who supported us in getting to this stage – our local MP, our local council, our local churches but above all, all the Fulham parents who have been fantastic in buying into our vision.”
For further information, or interview requests, please contact:
Jonny Ambrose, 07941 157 211 / www.fulhamboysschool.org