The UK’s first parent-powered school has finally moved in to its permanent home.

Pupils from Elmgreen School in West Norwood stepped in to their state of the art new school building in Elmcourt Road for the first time on September 21.

It was a major milestone in the short history of a school that was born from a 5,000 signature petition handed to Lambeth Council in 2004 from concerned parents demanding more school places.

A group of parents - the Parent Promoters Foundation (PPF) - then worked with Lambeth Council to encourage the Government to release the £26m funds for the new school.

The 450-strong PPF now has a major say in how the school - opened in a temporary site in Gipsy Hill - is run, and was dubbed the first "parent-promoted" school in the country.

The concept is a model discussed by education authorities up and down the country.

Parents form the majority of the governing body, which makes key decisions on matters including the curriculum and annual budget setting.

The school’s ethos is also specifically based on family engagement, from a family forum discussing education issues and new ideas, to a gardening club for parents to help maintain the grounds.

The new school's features include a recording studio, dance and drama studio, four court sports hall, and a 30-place hearing support department.

Sandy Nuttgens, PPF chair, said: “We are absolutely delighted the Elmgreen School is finally moving into its permanent home. It is a wonderful building that will truly enhance the education of our students.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has been involved over the years.”

Councillor Paul McGlone, council cabinet member for children and young people, said he was delighted Lambeth boasted the first ever parent-promoted school and the finished product was a testimony to their vision and determination.

By 2013 the school, which is a specialist humanities college, will have 900 students aged 11 to 16 and a 200 place sixth form.

Some 767 parents and careers applied for 180 year 7 places at the school this September.

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