Free school a "brilliant idea" says Barry Chuckle

CHUCKLE Brother Barry Elliott is backing plans for a free school in Rotherham.

The new venture, which will be set up outside local authority control under new Government education policy, is scheduled to open in 2010.

And Barry says it is a "brilliant" idea, which will raise educational standards in the town.

The free school is being set up by principal Charlotte Blencowe, a former pupil at Brinsworth Comprehensive, who is currently on the Future Leaders programme for head teachers.

Mr Elliott, one half of the famous TV children's comedy duo with his brother Paul, has agreed to become  a patron of the project and said: “I like the idea and have done since it first came out from the Government.

“I thought it was brilliant, just what we want to raise educational standards and I’m all for it.

A second-stage proposal for the school will be submitted to the Department for Education in January.

For further information, email: [email protected].