Local free schools: primary seeks headteacher; secondary holds public meeting

Last month education secretary Michael Gove approved applications from two groups seeking to establish 'free schools' in Southwark. The Southwark Free School Trust is planning a two-form entry primary school in SE1 while the Compass Schools Trust wants to set up a secondary school in Bermondsey or Rotherhithe.

The Southwark Free School Trust has this week placed a job advertisement for a founding headteacher to join the school in April 2012 in preparation for opening in September.

The trust says it is currently evaluating a shortlist of potential buildings in the area.

A new website – www.southwarkfreeschool.com – has been launched to provide information on the school.

Meanwhile the Compass Schools Trust will this week hold its first public meeting. Southwark parents – especially those with children in years 4 and 5 – are invited to attend the hour-long meeting on Tuesday 29 November from 6pm at Southwark Park Community Room, Layard Square, 151 Drummond Road, SE16 2JY.

The trust, founded by former Borough Market chairman Peter Wilkinson, is seeking to open a new secondary school for years 7 to 11 in September 2012.

"We believe that parents and pupils should have a strong bond with a school even before we open our doors, so we want to hear your views about what you want from your local school," says a Compass spokesman.