A new principal has been appointed for a secondary free school opening in Willesden next year.

Paul Phillips will take up the post at Gladstone School in January, ahead of its opening next September.

Mr Phillips, currently the vice-principal at Aylward Academy in Edmonton, said: “I feel privileged to have been invited to become the founding principal for Gladstone School.

“This is a uniquely exciting job, because it is being led by parents determined to establish an outstanding school for young people in this part of north London.”

Paul Dix, chair of governors, said: “We are immensely proud that Paul Phillips has joined us as principal.

“He is an exceptional school leader with a track record of excellence, and we are confident Gladstone School will deliver an outstanding education from day one under his leadership.”

A location for the school is yet to be confirmed but applications are already flooding in.

It will initially accept up to 120 pupils for year seven and will grow year on year until it reaches a capacity of 800, including a sixth form.

A slogan for the school, “Enjoy what you are Learning” has been created and is already proving to be an inspiration for parents thinking of enrolling their children at Gladstone School.

On what makes the school attractive to parents and potential pupils, Jim Gatten, the school’s project coordinator said: “I think it’s our vision for it, it’s all about raising aspirations.

“We are starting by making relationships with universities and employers so horizons are constantly being lifted, and when you leave you go forward to success.

“We have to be ambitious, children should be active, healthy and self confident.”

Mr Phillips added: “Free schools are a bold addition to the educational landscape.

“They set out to transform not only the lives of their pupils, but also the communities within which they thrive.

“Gladstone School governors have set the highest expectations in creating ambitious, highly-qualified, self-disciplined, active, healthy, happy and confident young people.

“Through an innovative curriculum grounded in traditional values, Gladstone School pupils will experience the very best learning in London.”