Newcastle United Foundation to open free school

Newcastle United's charity has won approval to open its own school in the city.

Newcastle United Foundation is working in partnership with Kenton Multi Academy Trust to set up United West Academy - which is due to open in September 2017, with alternative provision for pupils aged 11 to 16.

It is one of two free schools in Newcastle, among 77 around England, approved by the Department for Education.

Free schools are set up by groups of parents, teachers, charities, businesses, universities, trusts, religious or voluntary groups, but funded directly by central government.

United West Academy aims to reduce the number of young people in Newcastle who are not in education, employment or training.

The charity says it will use the Newcastle United brand and the power of football to motivate young people, particularly those not attending, or achieving in, mainstream school.

It promises smaller class sizes, vocational learning, pastoral support, work experience and high quality careers advice.

The free school will have 50 pupils at first, taking referrals from schools around Newcastle and beyond. By September 2019, it will cater for 90 pupils.

An application for a free school in Newcastle providing specialist support for pupils aged 5 to 13 with complex behavioural needs has also been approved.

Laidlaw Schools Trust says a location for the school has not yet been agreed, but it is planned to open in the west of the city in September 2017.

It will offer alternative provision for around 80 pupils, and specialist teaching for up to a year with the aim of returning students to a mainstream school.

Pupils will mainly be referred by headteachers of local schools.