Croydon College will try again after its first proposal for a secondary free school was turned down by the Government.

The college principal Frances Wadsworth said the Department for Education needed more detail about the New Croydon Academy scheme before it would allow any application to go ahead.

But she said the DfE was encouraged by the consultation process and the support for the initiative from prospective parents.

How we reported on the college's first application last year:
Croydon College submits its plans to open a new secondary school

And Ms Wadsworth added: “We are delighted to announce that we’re now moving forward with our plans for the free school, working with the New Schools Network (NSN) education charity.

“We have been overwhelmed and delighted by the parental support for our application, and look forward to submitting a new proposal in May.

“We are working very closely with our many supporters and the NSN to strengthen our proposal and our intention is now to open the new school in September 2017.”

“Once again we’re asking for Croydon’s support.”

Have your say by filling in the questionnaire at www.croydonacademy.org.uk/questionnaire