Stoke-on-Trent South MP Jack Brereton has today told Parliament that a new Free School is vital to relieve the pressure on school places in the city.

Speaking in the Queen’s speech debate to mark the start of the new Parliament, Jack urged the Government to back the bid for a free school on the former Longton High School site.

The prospective school leadership team, Educo Academies, submitted in December a detailed plan for the proposed "Florence MacWilliams Academy", an 11-16 free school in the south of Stoke-on-Trent.  The MP has joined Stoke-on-Trent City Council in supporting the bid.

Addressing the House of Commons, Jack said:

"In September only 82 per cent of children in Stoke-on-Trent got their first preference for secondary school, compared to 92% in the rest of Staffordshire and 90 per cent in Cheshire."

"Every one of the 14 secondary schools in the city are full, with 11  oversubscribed, putting huge pressure on the education system.

"I am delighted today to support plans for a new Free School, the Florence MacWilliams Academy, on part of the former Longton High School site. A free school that will boost excellence and choice for local parents."

Dame Kathryn August, chair of Educo Academies Trust, said:

"Stoke-on-Trent has a proud history of making a significant contribution to creative industry culture. The talent and ambition that was responsible for this is still strong in Stoke-on-Trent.

"Students attending Florence McWilliams Academy will develop as well educated, well-rounded young citizens."