SUPPORTERS say a new free school in East Oxford could be a chance to improve education standards and provide more primary school places.

Tyndale Community School in Barracks Lane, will be run by Chapel Street Community Schools Trust and Oxfordshire Community Churches, and is planning to take on 60 reception age youngsters in September.

Residents had the chance to meet the school’s headteacher Liz Russo at Oxford Spires Academy on Tuesday.

Free schools are exempt from local authority control and have greater freedom over curriculum, budgets, and their timetable. They are non-selective and do not charge fees.

Oli Zaccheo, 35, a father-of-two from Badgers Walk, said: “The provision of education in this area is a bit challenged in terms of performance of the schools. Yet they are oversubscribed because of the lack of provision.

“This school presents an opportunity for something better.”