New free school in Queen's Park could see pupil poaching, says Labour leader Paul Dimoldenberg

PRIMARY schools in north Westminster could lose out financially when a new free school opens in Queen’s Park next year, opposition councillors have warned.

Atwood Primary School is set to open next September in Third Avenue, off Kilburn Lane, where it will be based for a maximum of two years until longer-term premises are found. 
 

The council insists the school, which will be run by education charity ARK, will help deal with the shortage of school places in the area – but Westminster Labour group leader councillor Paul Dimondenberg criticised the plans as “ill-thought out”, branding the consultation “abys­mally poor”.

In a letter to City Hall’s strategic director for children and young people, Michael O’Connor, Cllr Dimoldenberg asked for clarification of admissions criteria and warned of children “being poached” from existing primaries.

In the letter, Cllr Dimoldenberg writes: “I want you to be clear and straightforward with schools that they will not be left alone to deal with the financial consequences of your decisions. 

“What guarantees can you give to schools that they will not lose out financially?”
 

Under the free schools scheme, which was announced last year by education secretary Michael Gove, parents, teachers charities and businesses can set up their own schools.

Though funded by the government, these schools can operate outside traditional local authority control and set their own curriculum and admissions policy.

Holborn-based charity ARK already sponsors academies across London including the King Solomon Academy in Lisson Grove.

It says that it will operate a “non-selective, non-denominational” admissions policy, meaning the school will not threaten the mix of children in nearby schools.

The school will contain two reception classes, each with at least 30 pupils.
 

Councillor Nickie Aiken, Westminster’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We have begun consulting with people in the vicinity of the site and will ensure they are kept fully informed of all key developments as this exciting project moves forward. 

“The school will serve the increasing number of parents who want high-quality places in a part of Westminster where there is an increasing shortage of reception vacancies. 

“By helping to establish this school we are directly responding to the demands of many parents and families who want greater choice when choosing a primary school for their children.”