Headteachers behind two new free schools given the go-ahead by the Government say they are delighted their applications have been approved.

This week the Department of Education approved proposals for Pinner High School and Harrow View Primary School.

The two schools applications were put together by the headteachers of eight secondary schools in Harrow to help deal with the increased demand for school places in the borough.

The secondary school will be located on the site of the former Heathfield Girls School, in Pinnner, and the first Year 7 pupils are set to start in September 2016.

Sue Hammond, chairman of governors and headteacher of Whitmore High School, said: “We are delighted that the Department for Education recognised that our proposals for Pinner High and Harrow View will create two more high quality, inclusive schools for the whole of the local community.

“Local schools have a tradition of working together in partnership to ensure all students make excellent progress.

“Harrow View and Pinner High will reflect these aspirations and values. It’s fantastic that both schools already have sites confirmed, and we are really pleased that the government was able to purchase the former Heathfield site for Pinner High.”

Harrow View will be located on the Kodak development site and will be open to nursery and reception classes in 2016.

The group of headteachers will now be looking to the community for people, to serve on both school’s governing bodies in the lead up to their opening.

Janice Howkins, headteacher of Bentley Wood High School and chairman of Harrow View’s governors, said: “Looking forward, key jobs are to recruit first class headteachers to start in September 2015 who will prepare the schools for opening.

“With two good sites and the backing of local schools we have real momentum to create two more outstanding local schools.”