Greg Hands MP has welcomed the news that a new free school for the area, the TBAP 16-19 Academic AP Academy has been approved, helping to create more good school places for pupils in Chelsea and Fulham.
This school will be the latest addition to the successful Tri-Borough Alternative Provision (TBAP) chain of schools and will be located in Fulham alongside the Bridge AP Academy in Hammersmith. The free school will offer the International Baccalaureate to 16- to 19-year-olds who may not succeed in mainstream sixth forms, but have the potential to go to university. Students will be supported by a rigorous mentoring program that will help them meet very high academic standards.
The new school was included as part of a wider announcement this week by Prime Minister David Cameron who has backed plans for another wave of 49 new free schools across the country, including 27 in London. He also pledged that a further 500 free schools would be opened in England in the next five years, if the Conservatives are re-elected. In total, more than 400 free schools have been approved since 2010, creating more than 230,000 school places across the country.
David Cameron said: “Delivering the best schools and skills for young people is a crucial part of our long-term economic plan to secure a better future for Britain. These new schools are an important part of our plan to improve education by raising standards and restoring discipline so our children can compete with the world’s best and enjoy a better future.”
The announcement brings the total number of open and approved Free Schools to more than 400, creating around 230,000 new school places. Free Schools are set up by teachers, parents and community groups and tend to raise the performance of those around them, meaning more opportunities for children to learn the skills they need to get on in life. More than 40,000 pupils are already attending free schools just three-and-a-half years after the first one opened its gates. Over two-thirds of these free schools are already rated good or outstanding.
Local MP Greg Hands said “Young people in Chelsea and Fulham deserve the chance to attend an excellent local school. Since 2010, 487 extra children from our area have been given the best chance to succeed in life as places in schools rated good or outstanding have risen from 8,329 to 8,816.
“Making sure there is a good local school place for every child in Chelsea and Fulham is a key part of our long-term plan for education. The Conservatives are committed to ensuring that local children receive the best education, so that they can fulfil their potential.
“By delivering choice for parents, power for teachers and high quality education for our children we are giving our young people the best chance to get on and succeed in life and create a better future for Britain.”