EDUCATION SECRETARY OPENS FREE SCHOOL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Education Secretary opens free school

Education Secretary Michael Gove unveiled a plaque at a school yesterday to mark its official opening.

The minister was at Leicester's first free school, Krishna Avanti, in Evington, where he cut a ribbon in front of guests and pupils, including Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.

Mr Gove pioneered the free school concept in which parents, charitable groups and others can bid to set up a school.

Krishna Avanti was set up by the Hindu-based Avanti School's Trust in September 2011, using £4.5 million of Government funding.

Mr Gove spoke about the "inclusive" nature of the school, which takes pupils from all faiths.

Head teacher Christopher Spall said: "It was great to have the minister here and to celebrate the opening with guests from across the city's faiths.

"It also gave us a chance to show off the facilities and to thank all those who helped bring the school together."