CAMPAIGNERS behind plans for three North-East free schools were last night celebrating after winning Government approval.

Education Secretary Michael Gove gave the goahead for 55 new free schools, including the region’s first in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton; Sunderland and Cramlington, Northumberland.

Campaigners behind the Barwick’s Own 2nd Secondary School (BO2SS) bid spoke of their joy after being told their application had been successful yesterday afternoon.

Stephen Fryer, chairman of BO2SS, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have been successful with our free school bid to this stage and that all of the hard work to date has now paid off.”

Mr Fryer paid tribute to the people who had worked on the bid, including project manager Gail Khan and Tony Rawdin, educational advisor.

He added: “Last but not least, we’d like to thank every parent and student from Ingleby Barwick who has signed up to show their support for this new school.”

Stockton South MP James Wharton said the school was badly needed in the town.

Land at Little Maltby Farm, Low Lane, south of Ingleby Barwick, will be used for the school. It would open to pupils in September 2013.

Grindon Hall Christian School, in Sunderland, will open as an all-through school for three to 18-year-olds.

A statement issued last night by the school said: “This is a great day for us all and we look forward to an exciting future.”

Cramlington Village Primary School will be the region’s first free primary school.

Mr Gove also announced plans for 13 University Technical Colleges (UTCs), including one in Newcastle.

The new academies for 14 to 19-year-olds will focus on technical skills to meet the needs of business.

Free schools are funded by the Government and, like academies, have greater freedoms than local authority schools. They are run by teachers and have freedom over the length of the school day, the curriculum and how they spend their money.

Mr Gove said: “The people who are driving free schools and UTCs are true pioneers.

They are leading a revolution in the education system.”