A FREE school in Saxmundham that is due to open its doors for the first time next month has recruited 14 new members of staff.

The school, which last month still only had 104 pupils on its books, has announced that a deputy head, inclusion leader and a number of teachers have all been hired.

The Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust, which runs the prestigious Woodbridge School and is also behind a free school in Beccles, has made the appointments ahead of the school’s opening to Year Seven, Eight and Nine students on September 6.

Elizabeth Swan, former assistant headteacher of Christ’s Church of England Comprehensive School in Richmond Upon Thames, will take the position of deputy headteacher.

She said: “I am very excited about being a part of a founding team across a partnership of schools that will create an environment offering students in Suffolk fantastic learning opportunities.”

Emma Gillard, who will be inclusion leader after working in similar roles in London schools, said it was her “passion” to make sure pupils’ needs are met and their potential achieved.

The new subject leader of English, Drama and Literacy at the school, Sarah Mitchell said working at a school from the “grass roots” was an “exciting prospect.”

Principal Rob Cawley said: “The new teachers bring a wealth of experience to Saxmundham Free School. They are all extremely enthusiastic about being part of a team which offers fantastic learning opportunities and I am confident that we can help the students to achieve their full potential.”

The East Anglian Daily Times reported last month how the Saxmundham Free School, which is located on the site of the former Middle School, had 26 students signed-up for Year Seven, 27 students enrolled for Year Eight and 51 students ready for Year Nine. The school’s initial projection had been for 300 students, a figures that was scaled back to 162 in application forms approved by the Department for Education.