A new free school in North Kingston is one step closer after campaigners were invited to meet with the Department for Education.

The school would be run by the Kingston Educational Trust - a partnership between Kingston University, Kingston College, Kingston Council and school improvement partnership Education Kingston.

Richmond Park and North Kingston MP Zac Goldsmith said: “This is the best news we can hope for at this stage, and I’m sure parents and residents will be hugely encouraged, as I am.

“We’re not there yet, and we need to keep up the pressure, but the momentum is on our side.”

Kingston Councillor Patricia Bamford, lead member for children and young people, said she had “everything crossed” for a positive outcome. She said: “We were really delighted when we were invited along. It’s great news because we could be getting somewhere.

“We’ve worked really hard on this bid.”

Education Secretary Michael Gove said he was “very supportive” of the bid during a visit to Coombe Girls’ School earlier this year.

Laurie South, chairman of Kingston Labour, said: “About blooming time. This should have been done when there was a Labour government. The Lib Dems played around, messed around, did nothing.

“At least something’s happening, but there’s a lot of question marks there.”

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey said he strongly supported the bid. He said: “Kingston desperately needs a new secondary school in North Kingston and I’m pleased to hear that the discussions are going to take place soon.

“There are big implications in for everyone in Kingston if this doesn’t go ahead.”