We can't really complain about a serious shortage of primary school places in the borough in the next few years, and then oppose any effort to create new schools funded by the state.

At present the local education authority has no plans to build new schools in the south of Lewisham or to significantly expand the sites of existing primary schools. When consulted about the Core Strategy and Site Allocations Report my understanding is that the LEA found no requirement for additional school space in the south of the borough, so no plans were included. I believe this was a serious oversight on behalf of the LEA based on the current birth rate and population projections for Lewisham.

Free schools may be the best way to provide new state school places in the local area and provide a wider choice than is currently available. I think I would prefer a Montessori school funded by my taxes than a faith school (most of which are Christian in this area) which have always concerned me as being divisive to society.