Defence Online

Cumbria is set to get a new specialist school for autistic children.A parent-led bid to create a new free school has been approved by the Education Secretary Justine Greening.The Cumbria Academy for Autism proposes to offer 56 places for children aged four to 18, and would open in 2018.Lynne Thornton, of Little Broughton, is one of the leading members behind the bid.Extensive consultation and other work must now be completed by the school’s steering group in conjunction with the New Schools Network and Education Funding Agency.A key milestone will be passed when the Secretary of State approves a funding agreement for the academy.West Lakes Academy in Egremont, Cumbria County Council, and the western heads consortium of existing school leaders, are among those already backing the bid, Mrs Thornton said.The Cumbria Academy for Autism was one of 77 new free schools announced on Friday. Others include a secondary school launched by the rugby Premiership champions and European Cup winners, Saracens.They are part of the biggest wave of free school approvals this Parliament. The government wants 500 open by 2020.The news has been welcomed by families and experts in Cumbria.