THE principal of Bicester's eco town school said its future lay with parents, as it entered its final week to attract enough applications to open.

Gagle Brook Primary School failed to open last September after attracting interest from just 10 potential students.

It was the second time the school, which is the first primary school to be built in the North West Bicester eco town development, had to delay its opening.

But after a positive first official public open event at the school last month, principal Alan Derry said he was hopeful about this year’s September opening.

He said: “We received wonderful feedback from everyone who attended our open day, with people being impressed by the feel and finish of the school as well as the energy and effort that was put in to provide the children with engaging and educational activities.

“However our deadline is fast approaching and our future now lies with parents showing their support for Gagle Brook by putting us down as their first choice.”

After the open day event at the school, which will be run by The White Horse Federation, Mr Derry confirmed the school had received 23 applications through for pupils looking to study at Gagle Brook School as either a first, second or third choice.

But Mr Derry added the school was still looking for more pupils to apply for Gagle Brook as their first choice.

The White Horse Federation said this week the September opening was still dependent on Oxfordshire County Council receiving sufficient first choice primary school applications by this month’s deadline on January 15.

The successful open day attracted more than 80 families and potential pupils who were given the first public tour of the building.

It was originally built on the NW Bicester site as part of phase one of the build, called Elmsbrook, which also includes 91 homes.

It was opened up to the public in June to allow for community groups or local activities to take place and make use of the empty building.

Mr Derry added: “We’re very keen to open Gagle Brook this September. As parents saw at the open day, we’re ready to welcome our first classes and provide a top quality, environmentally conscious education – but we need parents to use their primary school application wisely to help us make this happen.”

Two more open days will be held on January 11 and 12 for tours arranged with Mr Derry by contacting head@gaglebrook.org.uk