A GROUP of teachers are hoping to set up a free school in Sherfield on Loddon.

Public meetings will be held to gain feedback from local people about the plans, with the first taking place next month.

The school, which would be called Foresters School, will cater for children aged between four and 19, and will be set up by Foresters Consortium – created in 2011 by a group of four teachers and school leaders.

A website for the group, which is still under construction, states they are hoping to provide an ‘all-round education’ to ‘support and nurture individual pupils and to develop their confidence and resilience through a wide range of educational opportunities’.

It also highlights their desire to ‘establish a dynamic, learning community based on diligence, respect and understanding.’

But the specific details about the plans are yet to be confirmed, including where exactly the school will be in the village, if it will be a new build, and when it could open.

One of the teachers behind the scheme, who did not want to be named, told The Gazette : “We are in the very early stages of the application process. It’s something we are very passionate about.”

He said the school would offer an alternative to other schools in the area, and will cater for pupils of all abilities with the aim of developing pupils’ creative, sporting and artistic talents, also offering an extended day service.

Free schools, which are not controlled by a local authority, were introduced in 2010 making it possible for parents, teachers, charities and businesses to set up their own schools.

Those interested in setting up a free school must submit an application to the Department for Education, with proof to show that there is a need for one in the area.

Free schools are expected to offer a broad and balanced curriculum, but have greater freedoms in how lessons are taught.

A group of people tried to set up a free school in the Rooksdown area of Basingstoke, but failed to gain enough support from potential parents to apply this year.

A public meeting about the proposed free school in Sherfield on Loddon will be held in Sherfield Park Community Centre, Sunwood Drive, Sherfield on Loddon at 5.30pm on September 12.