AN APPLICATION for a new free school in Haverhill for children with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties has been submitted to the Department for Education (DfE).

The Castle Partnership Academy Trust, which is made up of Castle Manor Academy and Place Farm Academy, has been consulting on the plans for the new John Page SEBD School in the town.

A spokesman for the trust said: “The Castle Partnership is looking to the future and how it can continue to improve education and achieve high standards.

“It currently has a free school application in with the DfE for ‘Alternative Provision’ in Haverhill.”

He added: “This school would cater for students who are at risk of exclusion and aim to keep them in education, rather than giving up on them.

“This work will go ahead, along with the fantastic work the family of schools and all schools in Haverhill do together, to ensure that young people in the town can access the very best education.”

The free school would have 100 students on its roll, with the numbers being phased in over a six-year period.

The spokesman said working with families would be given high priority within the school’s curriculum.