A third free school could be opened in Wembley in 2015
Hannah Smith is the proposed chair of governors for Wembley Free School - Credit: Archant
A third free school for Wembley could open its doors in 2015 if a bid for the venture is successful.
Wembley Free School will focus on five specialisations, including philosophy, sports, performance, enterprise and the creative arts.
Hannah Smith, a former teacher and the proposed chair of governors for the school, is delighted with the reaction to the plans so far.
“We have begun canvassing and speaking to parents,” she said.
“It’s been very positive.
You may also want to watch:
“Everyone who we have spoken to likes our vision and ethos.”
By 2020, a sixth form will be in place and the school will accommodate 990 pupils from four to 19 years old when it reaches capacity.
Most Read
- 1 Harlesden couple launch mobile musical funerals during Covid
- 2 Reward offered after drone stolen in Wembley
- 3 Vaccine bus launched in Brent to increase take up
- 4 QPR move into top 10 with win at Middlesbrough despite Dieng dismissal
- 5 Warburton: Dieng played on with broken nose before red card
- 6 Wealdstone thrashed by league leaders Hartlepool United
- 7 Social enterprise boutique gym opening in Queen's Park on May 17
- 8 Olympic Steps to Wembley Stadium unveiled
- 9 Female-only massage clinic opens in Harlesden
- 10 Mixed feelings for residents and workers as crowds return to Wembley
Ms Smith said: “We just thought we wanted to create the best education we can and the most holistic education, taking into account intellectual, emotional, physical and even spiritual needs while also taking into account potential employability.
“They (the pupils) will be the most well rounded citizens we can produce.”
A site for the school has not been confirmed but Ms Smith said she hopes it will be as close to central Wembley as possible.
Ms Smith believes sports and cultural creative arts are under represented in ethnic communities and hopes the school will have close links with Wembley Arena to help tackle the issue.
On the choice to specialise in philosophy and enterprise, she said: “We felt we would want more enterprise training so pupils know how to succeed in the workplace and at the same time we felt young people lacked critical thinking skills which was a motivation for introducing philosophy.”
The school also hopes to focus on creative and innovative approaches to community cohesion, conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue, creative cultural education courses and civic engagement programmes.
Two other free schools, Gateway Academy and the Michaela Community School, are expected to open in Wembley next year.
Visit www.wembleyfreeschool.co.uk