Free school promoter turns to 'inspirational' Chuckle Brother

Barry Elliott, better known as one half of the Chuckle Brothers comedy duo, has been chosen as a figurehead for the Rotherham Central Free School (RCFS) plan to inspire pupils from the town.

The school's principal designate Charlotte Blencowe said he had agreed to support the project in his home town because he recognised education was a priority.

Mr Elliott said: "I have met with Charlotte and I think the idea is an excellent one. People are trying to open these free schools up and down the country and I am delighted to be involved in something which will hopefully raise standards in Rotherham."

Miss Blencowe is aiming to open up a free school in the centre of Rotherham by 2012 for 500 pupils. So far 50 parents have expressed an interest in sending their children to the school but 50 more signatures are needed before an official bid will be sent to the Government in January.

Miss Blencowe said: "We have set 2012 as our opening date as the sites we have identified for the school need renovation work and we do not want to be rushing to get the building ready for next year or having pupils being taught in temporary classrooms. The idea for Barry Elliott came when we were discussing positive role models for the children.

"We want to encourage a business ethos and here is someone from Rotherham whose success has lasted a lifetime. I contacted him and he was very pleased to get involved."

Miss Blencowe currently works as an assistant head teacher at a school in Kirklees and has been involved in the future leaders programme which aims to fast track outstanding teachers into management positions.

Her plan is for a school for 11 to 16-year-olds in her home town which works in partnership with other further education providers in order to give students options after they sit their GCSEs.

Miss Blencowe said a sixth form could be developed in future. Two potential sites have been identified in the centre of Rotherham for the proposed school.

Free Schools are a key part of the coalition Government's education reforms. Parents and teacher groups who are unhappy with the choice of council-run schools in their area are being encouraged to open up their own schools which are funded directly from the Government like academies.