BACKERS of Burnley’s proposed free school are celebrating after finalising the plans.

Burnley High School is now set to open in September after receiving the all clear to set up the facility.

The school, part of the the Chapel Street Schools Trust, has been told that the former Habergham High School has been secured as the permanent site for Burnley High School.

Letters were sent earlier this week once Chapel Street, the school’s sponsor, also had the funding agreement confirmed.

It comes after a failed attempt by Lancashire County Council leader Jennifer Mein to block the move, over concerns of a ‘destabilising effect’ on the town’s education.

After a legal wrangle between Labour-led LCC and the Department for Education, the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove has intervened to make sure the school opens this year.

There will be a taster day for pupils at its sister school, Atherton Community School, in Manchester next month.

Elizabeth Haddock, Executive Principal of Burnley High School, said: “I have experience of establishing schools, including Burnley High School’s sister school in Atherton.

“And I look forward to creating a totally new school at the Habergham site for the young people of Burnley.

“I am delighted that our young people joining the school can now definitely start getting excited about the taster day in June as the staff are certainly preparing a fabulous day.”

Russell Rook, Chief Executive of Chapel Street, said: “It’s great news that Habergham has been secured as our permanent site.

“I'd like to thank those who have supported the opening of this new school for their determination to see a secondary school established in Burnley in which we can have confidence and pride. We will have a high-performing school in Burnley, led by our experienced and highly-regarded Head of School, Dawn Forshaw.”

Places are still available at Burnley High School. Parents should call 07739 407 464.