The Government has given the go ahead for Manchester's newest school - New Islington Free School – which will be created by a partnership between the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Manchester City Council, Manchester Grammar School (MGS) and Urban Splash.

The primary school will provide educational excellence in the city centre that will attract new families to the area as well children from families already living in New Islington. It will form a nucleus around which the community can grow, with extended opening hours welcoming children and adults to study and use the facilities.

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The mixed comprehensive school’s three priority catchments include the residential area immediately surrounding the school in New Islington, the residential areas immediately adjacent to New Islington and children of commuters who work in the city centre.

MGS will be responsible for the curriculum for the School, the appointment of the head teacher and the academic staff, and leadership of the governing body. Urban Splash will coordinate the capital development in partnership with the HCA and Manchester City Council.

Deborah McLaughlin, North West Executive Director at the HCA, said: "It's great news that the New Islington Free School has garnered such interest from local families and has subsequently been given the go ahead. We've worked closely with our partners to invest in and support the development of the neighbourhood, providing high quality affordable homes, office accommodation and open space. The addition of a primary school marks a major milestone in the ongoing revival of New Islington and will support learning and recreation and foster community spirit."

(CD/GK)