Michaela Community School will be set up by Katharine Birbalsingh xx

Brent & Kilburn Times: Katharine BirbalsinghKatharine Birbalsingh (Image: Archant)

Parents, teachers and residents have launched a petition against a proposed free school to be set-up in Wembley Park.

The petition says it is opposed to the Michaela Community School (MCS) and outlines a number of concerns about the proposal.

The petition’s launch coincides with the start of the consultation period into the school.

Among the concerns it lists are; the pressure its location will put on existing schools in the area, potential social segregation and a privatisation of education.

Free schools, which are championed by education secretary Michael Gove, can be set-up by any group of individuals who are then free to manage their own curriculum and admissions policies.

MCS will be set-up by fellow free school supporter Katharine Birbalsingh, who will be the head mistress.

Previous attempts to set-up the school in Lambeth and Wandsworth have both been unsuccessful.

The petition reads: “We, the undersigned, oppose the setting up of the MCS. This could destroy other local schools.

“We believe that school places need to be planned and the setting up of a school to ‘compete’ with others is damaging to our communities.”

Two consultation meetings are being proposed for the school on Tuesday, March 26 and Thursday, April 4 at the Chalkhill Community Centre in Chalkhill Road, Wembley.