Private Christian school seeking to become state-funded

The Barnsley Christian School, which was set up 25 years ago, said it is bidding to become publicly funded "in order to allow more children to benefit from its education".

Free schools are a flagship policy of the coalition Government.

Ministers are urging parents, teachers or community groups to establish their own state schools wherever they are unhappy with the choice on offer from their local education authority. However, it is also being used as a route for independent schools to join the state system.

Four proposals in Yorkshire have already been accepted onto the programme to develop a business case for their plans, including Batley Grammar, which wants to convert from the private sector to become state-funded.

A statement from the Barnsley Christian School said: "Throughout those years the school has maintained a record of academic achievement well above the national average at GCSE level.

"The school delivers education based upon a Christian ethos and a commitment to work in partnership with parents and children. The school enjoys a reputation of excellence in academic, moral, social and spiritual support and development and has seen hundreds of children's and family's lives enriched through its work.

"In order to see the school, which is currently a fee-paying independent school, develop further and to allow more children to access the benefits of education at Barnsley Christian School the decision has been made to apply for Free School status under the Government's new education initiative."

Its bid is for a school with a Christian ethos, all ability, mixed, all-age (4-16) school. It would be non-selective and place no emphasis upon ability, race, religious affiliation or gender.

The statement added: "The school will be based upon the already successful Barnsley Christian School model, where attainment at GCSE level is considerably above national average.

"The strong Christian ethos will allow for a secure foundation to be laid preparing pupils not just for academic success, but for life."