Says more schools will be needed in the borough of Hounslow

Education Secretary Michael Gove backed plans for a free school in Brentford and praised the group behind the project during a recent visit to Brentford.

He was invited by Mary Macleod MP last Friday (4th July) to discuss the issue of expanding school places in the borough. She has long campaigned for a new school in Brentford and asked for Mr Gove’s support for more Free Schools.

She has recently worked with the Mayor of London to find a site for a new school on Commerce Road, on the site of the old bus depot. Meeting just around the corner from the site, the Education Secretary joined the local MP and potential new school groups for a short discussion and a strategy going forward.

Michael Gove, speaking after the event, said: “It is always good to hear from people keen to set up new Free Schools. The small group I met were passionate about delivering excellent schools for local parents. I was keen to hear from them about how my Department can best support them. There are some excellent schools in West London, but we do need more, especially in the London Borough of Hounslow – the fourth fastest growing Borough in the capital. I know Mary has been working hard to encourage new schools and I commend her work in this area”.

Mary Macleod said: “We are doing all we can to provide the best schools for local parents and children. I want to make sure that we are identifying sites for schools quickly and efficiently and I am keen to help make sure we get more schools as soon as possible.”

Attendees at the meeting included James O’Shaughnessy, Founder of Floreat Education - one of the education groups soon to be hearing whether or not their school plans will be accepted. Floreat’s plans were submitted in May for a new primary school in Brentford.

July 11, 2014