Willmott Dixon is moving forward on two more Free Schools in London with projects to create new homes for The West London Free School and Wapping High School ready for use in September 2013.

Free Schools are a flagship policy for the Coalition Government, allowing groups of parents, teachers and local communities to set up new schools where there is parental demand. Willmott Dixon has a lead role in making this happen by delivering accommodation for 18 Free Schools.


Wapping High School is a secondary school in East London that opened its doors to the community last September in temporary accommodation in a local church. The Free School has received planning permission for a permanent site on Commercial Road that Willmott Dixon will create in a £5.4m contract.

The West London Free School, set up by journalist Toby Young, was one of the first of 24 Free Schools to open in 2011. Just over a year into operation, the school is proving hugely successful, with nine applicants for every place. Willmott Dixon is now completing site investigations to create a permanent home for the school in Pallinswick House, Kings Street, Hammersmith and aims to sign a £8.4m contract in March.

(CD/GK)