A TEAM of people behind plans for a free school in the Bournemouth and Poole area will submit detailed plans to the government in two weeks.

More than 500 parents have registered an interest in the proposed new school, which will follow the Montessori philosophy and International Primary Curriculum in the primary phase, followed by the International Baccalaureate in the secondary phase.

The Department for Education has encouraged parents, charities and private companies to submit plans for so-called free schools, which will be directly funded by the government and outside local authority control.

If all goes according to plan, Parkfield New School will open its doors to students in September next year. Parkfield will be an all-through school from reception to Year 13, with a maximum of 24 in each class and an extended programme including breakfast and after-school clubs, holiday clubs, a Saturday academy and booster lessons.

There are plans for it to operate a 38-week school year but for it to be open 51 weeks a year with a holiday programme that responds to demand.

The proposed school now has its own website, which gives more details and allows prospective parents the chance to comment on the plans.

One wrote: “I am very excited to hear about a new-format school, particularly of the Montessori ethos, in this area. It can only be a positive alternative to some of the options available.”

Information is available at parkfieldnewschool.org.uk.