PLANS for a new primary free school are a “slap in the face” to teachers in the borough, a union has said.

Lewisham National Union of Teachers has slammed plans for the Hatcham Temple Grove Free School claiming it will have a “skewed” admission system.

The school, to be run by Haberdashers’ Askes’ Federation, has said it will prioritise admission of children from its primary to its existing Hatcham College school in New Cross.

Martin Powell-Davies, General Secretary of Lewisham NUT said: “Turning to free schools is a dangerous acceptance of privatisation - and a slap in the face to staff and governors working so hard at other local schools.” 

Free schools are government funded institutions which operate independently of local authority control.

Mr Powell-Davies is concerned that this one could start a trend, giving an unfair advantage over pupil admissions, and leaving Lewisham Council to support the schools and students that need most help.

The Haberdashers’ Askes’ Federation hopes to receive a government grant to enable them to convert temporary New Cross classrooms into a permanent structure to house the school.

Chief executive of the federation Adrian Percival said: “The need for places in the area is so pressing that we needed to be able to play our part to support the local authority in meeting that demand."

Due to open in 2013, it will share resources with the existing Hatcham Temple Grove primary school.

It will follow a curriculum taught in two languages, with an emphasis on phonics, reading and numeracy.

The federation held a consultation meeting with the community last week.

For more information visit haaf.org.uk