THE team behind York's newest school are a step closer to finding it a home.

A search for an appropriate site for the city’s first free school, to be called the Creative Arts Academy York has been on-going, but Ebor Academy Trust's chief executive, Richard Ludlow, said things are now progressing.

He said: “After an extensive property search we have at last identified a suitable site but have been asked by the Department for Education not to reveal it until legalities have been completed and it officially becomes ours.

"We hope to be able to announce where it is by spring and at the same time confirm when we will be able to open.”

As previously reported, Ebor's plan for an entirely new primary school offering creative arts at the centre of the curriculum was given the go-ahead by the government last year.

Mr Ludlow made his latest announcement as the group who now comprise the school's shadow board of governors met for the first time.

He said: “Our vision for an innovative and different kind of primary school is starting to take shape and I am excited by the breadth of experience on which we can draw in the governance and leadership of the new school.

“The nine individuals who form the shadow governing body have experience in education and the creative arts across many forms and at many levels, including locally, nationally and internationally."

York Press:

The plan is that the school will open with Reception year only, building year on year and when full, the school will have 420 pupils aged 5-11.

Mr Ludlow said that Creative Arts Academy York will blend a sound academic curriculum within a creative arts environment including dance, music, drama and performance. For older children there will be an extended school day to fit in what normally would be extra-curricular activities.

“The school will be for the whole of York,” said Mr Ludlow.