SUPPORT for Wirral’s first free school is growing after the council was urged to back an application by Frank Field MP.

The council leader and cabinet have been asked by the borough’s Conservative councillors to support what would be an “exciting new addition” to education and learning, boosting choices for parents and “raising aspirations and improving outcomes."

The calls in a notice of motion to the council will be discussed at the full meeting on December 10.

It follows news that the Frank Field Education Trust is looking to open a free school – an ‘all-ability’ institute funded by the government and not the local council.

That means they can set their own pay and conditions for staff, as well as change the length of school terms and day – not having to follow the national curriculum.

They are often set up by charities, universities, teachers or community groups.

Conservative Cllr Jeff Green said: “Students in many other parts of the country are already benefitting from the extra choice that a free school offers and they have proved very popular with parents as well. It is high time students and parents in Wirral had the same options available.

“That’s why we are asking Wirral Council to support the application by the Frank Field Education Trust.

“A free school in Birkenhead will help even more students to reach their full potential and ensure that no child is left behind, simply because of their post code or family background.”

According to figures from New Schools Network – the free school charity – there are 393 of this type of school currently open, with 316 in the process of opening.