A free school in the Docklands will open its doors this September after the Department for Education (DfE) signed a funding agreement.

Canary Wharf College is due to welcome 60 students into its reception, year one and year two classes at the start of the next academic year.

Now that the DfE has entered into a funding agreement with the college refurbishment will be carried out of the old Dockland Settlement Centre where the school will be based.

The school has been founded by four parents and lead proposer Sarah Counter, who will also take on the role of principal of Canary Wharf College.

She said: “We are delighted the government has signed the funding agreement. The DfE’s final approval recognises the importance and vital role the college will have on helping to alleviate the high demand for school places on the Isle of Dogs.

“I would like to thank our local community for their notable ongoing support; we are very pleased to be working closely with the Dockland Settlement Centre. The centre is a valuable community asset and we are delighted to be able to start the free school for the community in part of the old building.”

The school will have a Christian ethos. All places for September this year have been filled.

For more information visit www.canarywharfcollege.co.uk