West London Free School's second primary school, Earl's Court Free School Primary, has officially been opened.

On Friday October 17, Sam Gyimah, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Childcare and Education, formally opened the new primary on behalf of The West London Free School charitable trust.

The opening ceremony, held at the school’s temporary home in Hammersmith, was attended by local councillors, officers, parents, governors, Department for Education officials and other supporters of the school.

West London Free School says this new school helps address the shortfall in primary school places in West London, and like the trust's other two schools, the Earl’s Court Free School Primary will provide children with a classical liberal education, focusing on a core of academic subjects complemented by art, music, drama and competitive sport.

The school plans eventually to become a two form entry primary located in the heart of the new Earl’s Court development, subject to planning approvals.

However, as that development will not be complete until 2020 the Earl’s Court Free School Primary has opened alongside the West London Free School Primary in Cambridge Grove in 2014.

30 children will be admitted to rReception each year until the school moves to its permanent home, at which point it will double in size.

In his opening address, Childcare Minister Sam Gyimah said: " It was fantastic to meet children,
parents and teachers who will benefit from this fantastic new school. There is a real sense of
optimism and enthusiasm. New free schools like Earl’s Court are a vital part of our plan for
education – boosting choice for parents and driving up standards."

Council leader Stephen Cowan added: "There is no greater privilege than being able to help
young children develop their knowledge, acquire new skills like learning a musical instrument
and get the best start in life.

" What West London Free School has proved is that it is helping young people thrive and I am glad to have been able to support WLFS in the few short months I've been in this job."

Toby Young, the chairman of the West London Free School charitable trust, says: " I helped set
up the West London Free School because I believe that all children should have access to a
classical liberal education, regardless of background or ability.

" That approach has proved so popular with local parents that my group is now opening a third school and our aim is to open many more as long as there is a demand for this type of school."

 

October 31, 2014