TWO open evenings for parents to find out more about a new free school will be held next week (May 15-16).

The Durham Free School will open in the current Durham Gilesgate Sports College buildings, in Gilesgate, Durham City, in September, initially with up to 60 year seven pupils only.

Headteacher Peter Cantley is currently recruiting other teachers.

Applications for pupil places can be made until Monday, May 20.

Information evenings will be held at St Hild and St Bede College, in Gilesgate, on Wednesday, May 15, at 8pm; and New Durham and District workingmen’s club, on Mill Lane, on Thursday, May 16, also at 8pm.

It is hoped the school will eventually move to a permanent site closer to its target catchment area of Shincliffe, Bowburn, Coxhoe, Kelloe and Cassop. In the meantime, a free bus service will be provided.

Mr Cantley has said the school will have a Christian ethos but children of all faiths and none will be welcomed, national guidelines on sex education and religious studies will be followed and pupils will study the National Curriculum and GCSE courses.

For more information, visit thedurhamfreeschool.org.uk or call 0191-375-5760.