THERE were answers, but lots more questions, as a group of parents who want to set up their own school in York held a public meeting.

The group, which includes father-of-two Tim Moat, held the meeting in Holgate Methodist Church Hall to gauge the level of interest from local residents.

Mr Moat and other members of the steering group, want to take advantage of the Government’s policy to allow the creation of “free schools” which would be free from council control, non-fee paying and all-inclusive. The group believes that Holgate is ill-served for secondary schools, the closest being York High School in Cornlands Road or Millthorpe in South Bank.

At the meeting on Wednesday night more facts were given about how it was hoped the school, which would serve the Holgate area, would work but Mr Moat admitted there were lots of question marks.

He said the initial idea was to have a roll of 150 students which would mean the Government providing annual funding of about £500,000. From this, a head teacher and teachers would have to be paid along with associated running costs like heating and lighting. But there could also be other revenue-generating sources like sponsorship from business.

Premises is one of the biggest hurdles the group faces but capital set-up costs would be met by the Government. Options for premises that have been mooted include renting space from a private landlord, building on Yorkshire Forward-owned wasteland near CPP or using modular buildings that can be added to as the school’s roll grows.

Because the school would not be council controlled, Mr Moat told the audience of about 30 people that it would be able to pick and choose the best educational ideas from around the world. He said the parents involved wanted to provide a sensible education but also teach children life skills like financial management.

But for the idea to go further the parents of a minimum of 45 children who are currently in Year 4 must express an interest in the scheme. The figure of 45 is made up of the 30 children which would make up the first year’s intake at the school, plus 50 per cent.

In theory the school would officially open in September 2012 although it would have to be ready by September of next year for it to be included on the list of school choices sent to the parents of primary school children.