A new free school has been given the green light to open next year.

The Department for Education approved the bid for Turing House School that was submitted by a group of parents partnered with charity Russell Education Trust (RET), which hopes to meet the demand for secondary school places.

The co-educational school, for children aged between 11 and 18 with a focus on science, engineering and music, will now receive Government support and funding to secure a site.

The proposer’s preferred site is building two at the National Physical Laboratory, next to Bushy Park in Teddington, because it is publicly owned, would be good value for money and fitted in with the school’s ethos.

Speaking on behalf of the steering group, Twickenham parent Beverley Sanders said: “We’re thrilled that all of our hard work has paid off.

“We have a lot of work to do before the school opens, but we have a strong sponsor in the RET as well as fantastic support from the local community.

“Now that we have Government backing, we are confident of a successful future.”

RET’s chief executive Karen Lynch said: “We are delighted to sponsor Turing House School and to be working closely with the parent proposers.

“We have a proven track record in setting up secondary free schools, successfully opening the largest in both 2011 and 2012, and preparing two more for opening in 2013.

“We will work to set up and run a high quality school in Richmond, which meets the aspirations of local parents and which is part of the local family of schools.”

The bid was one of 102 free school proposals approved on Wednesday, May 22, and will open in September 2014.

For more information, visit turinghouseschool.org.uk.