BEXLEY’S first free school has been given the seal of approval from the Government and will open its doors in September.

The Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, agreed on Monday to enter into a funding agreement to formally establish Hope Community School, in Rectory Lane, Foots Cray, as a free school.

The school has recruited former deputy head Lisa Morris from Birkbeck Primary School in Sidcup as its first headteacher.

She said: “This is fantastic news for Hope Community School and the children who will attend it.

"There are many stages every free school trust must go through to assure it meets the Government's strict criteria.

"A lot of people have put in an incredible amount of work and dedication to get to this point.

“We cannot wait to open our doors in September to a new class and a new school.”

The school will open with a reception class of 25 children and is expected to be at full capacity by 2019 with 175 students.

Chair of the New Generation Schools Trust, the organisation behind the school, Paul Weston, added: "We're absolutely delighted to reach this vital milestone.

"What started as a dream to provide more school places for children in Sidcup is now a reality and everyone on the team could not be happier.

"With Lisa on board we are certain Hope Community School will go from strength to strength and become a centre of excellence in teaching primary school children."

There are still spaces available for the reception class at the school.

For details call 020 8309 6056.