Two deputy headteachers have been laying the foundations for a new Lewisham free school - and aim to have it up and running by September 2016.

Jan Shapiro and her colleague Stephanie Newman, who work at Prendergast Ladywell Fields, have been developing plans for Pleniter Academy over the last six months.

In May, Pleniter was accepted onto a scheme run by the National Schools Network, an education based charity that aims to provide support and advice to groups that want to set up free schools. 

Recently, the project reached a particularly intense period as the academy prepared to submit its application to the Department for Education.

Ms Shapiro said: "The aim is that Pleniter should already feel established the day it opens."

Unlike regular schools, free schools are funded by the government but are not run by the local council. This allows the schools to operate in a more flexible manner, constructing their own curriculum and setting their own term dates and staff pay.

Ms Shapiro said: "Pleniter has been conceived with Lewisham specifically in mind and in a spirit of collaboration with its community, its existing schools and the local authority. 

As a ‘through’ school for children aged four to 16, it will offer 1,500 places and follow the national curriculum for Key Stages One to Three.

However, their curriculum will consist of range of teaching styles that will work to emphasise workplace skills, in particular oral communication.

Pupils will learn to build their confidence through practising debating and presentation skills, learning how to interact with a variety of audiences.

For Key Stage Four, Pleniter will offer its pupils three distinct pathways, including the English Baccalaureate, to choose from.

A group of young campaigners were out canvassing support for the new school in Lewisham town centre last week. 

Ms Shapiro said: "The positive response we have received to date both from colleagues and also among those local services and campaigning organizations we have approached have been truly encouraging."

To find out more visit pleniter.academy