Tiger Primary School - Maidstone's first free school

by Anna White

A Christian community is praying the government will approve plans to open another new primary school in Maidstone.

Jubilee Church, which is based in Upper Stone Street, is in the early stages of building a proposal for a new free school somewhere in the town.

The exact location is yet to be decided.

Once the application is complete, the team will submit its idea to the Department for Education. Members hope the submission will be ready by December and, if approved, the aim is to open classrooms in 2014.

The proposal, which would have two forms of entry and cater for up to 60 children, has already been welcomed by the New Schools Network.

The charitable organisation has awarded the group a start-up grant of about £10,000 and is guiding them through the government application process for free schools.

A free school is run by teachers, parents or religious groups, rather than local councils, such as Kent County Council.

Although the Jubilee group is faith-led, its school will not be focused on its beliefs.

Barbara Faulkner, one of the team leaders, said: “Our aim is to provide an excellent school with excellent teachers, in a positive and nurturing environment.

“There is clearly a need for another school in Maidstone as there is a lack of places at good schools, and we believe we can provide an excellent choice.”

Church members have spoken to families of potential pupils at Bearsted’s village fayre, the Maidstone Mela and in the town centre, and Mrs Faulkner said they have received a positive response.

The move would make Jubilee Primary School Maidstone’s second free school.

Tiger Primary School opened its doors in September and was the first of its kind in Kent.

The initiative was launched by Future Schools Trust at its site in Boughton Lane, Loose, which is shared with the New Line Learning Academy.

Pupils are offered a significantly different education. Alongside the core curriculum there will be a greater emphasis on personalised support and enrichment.