Pressure on primary school places in the south west of the borough could be eased after plans for a new primary school were approved.

Ashmole Academy, in Cecil Road, Southgate, has had its bid to open a new free school in September granted.

The secondary academy had initially seen its application to get funding from the Department of Education snubbed last year but the Government has now announced it will received money to build the school within its grounds.

Gonul Daniels, chairman of governors at the academy and founder of South West Enfield Action Team, which has campaigned for school places, said she was “delighted” with the latest news.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State for Education has decided that Ashmole Primary School should proceed into the pre-opening phase.

“The Ashmole team put together an excellent bid that gained enthusiastic support from the community, staff, governors and local authorities. The real work starts now."

Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes, who has supported the campaign to get a new primary school in the area, said: “This is great news for local parents giving more local choice of primary schools. I am pleased particularly for constituents living in the Lakes Estate area who have been struggling to find a school place. Thanks to this Government parents will now have access to an excellent primary school.”

The school is one of 49 across the country to be given the go ahead by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan.

The Prime Minister said: “Delivering the best schools and skills for young people is a crucial part of our long term economic plan to secure a better future for Britain.

“Free schools set up by teachers, parents and community groups are not only outperforming other schools, but they are raising the performance of those around them, meaning more opportunities for children to learn the skills they need to get on in life.”