A GROUP of parents who petitioned to set up the first free Montessori primary school in Lewisham have ended their campaign.

Eleven people were behind plans for Primrose House School including six parents whose children currently attend the Rose House Montessori pre-school, in Vancouver Road, Forest Hill.

More than 130 families registered to send their children to the new school, which the group hoped to open next year for around 200 pupils aged five to 11.

But changes to the application process for free schools by the Department for Education, means the group are no longer able to continue their campaign.

Mother-of-two and campaign manager, Sarah Cottle, said: “We did very well with our application and got good feedback about our curriculum and ethos. They also pointed out the evidence of demand for the school was very strong.”

The 40-year-old journalist added: “I’m extremely disappointed and I feel sad and responsible for all of those families who put their faith and trust in us by registering their children.”

Primrose House school would have been set up under the government’s free schools initiative, which gives parents, teachers, charities and community groups powers to set up new schools.

But the campaign group says this was no longer possible as the government now asks for a complex proposal which requires an increased workload.

The new system also puts the school in direct competition for funding against private companies, churches, and other organisations.

Parents who set up the new schools are not guaranteed to get a place for their own children, which has deterred many of the parents from taking the campaign on.

News Shopper: Sarah Cottle with daughter Charlotte aged three Mrs Cottle, of Vancouver Road, is concerned about the huge demand for primary school places in the borough.

She said: “New schools are needed. I don’t blame Lewisham council for this because they only have what central government gives them.

“The government should be giving more help to parent groups. We were more than willing to work very hard to provide 100 to 200 places.”

Mrs Cottle added: “I’m not opposed to schools increasing in size because I accept every child deserves a good school place.

“I think the current measures which are being taken to address the shortage of spaces in Lewisham are not sustainable. We can’t just keep building in school playgrounds.”

What is a Montessori school?

- Montessori learning involves children of mixed ages being in a large room where they can choose which activities they take part in.

- Rather then being tested against certain standards the students are helped to progress to their own potential.

- A Montessori school follows the teachings of Dr Maria Montessori, who conducted research into children with intellectual disabilities in the early 1900s.

- Children are allowed to learn on their own while being guided by the teacher.

- A child's work is not graded. The teacher assesses what the child has learned and then guides them into new areas of discovery.

- Children are encouraged to work at their own pace, either individually or with others.

- Classes are called Children’s Houses and are made up of mixed age groups - usually three different ages.

- Students cover the UK curriculum but at their own pace. The classroom is prepared for them based on the teachers’ observations.