The inclusion of the Belham primary school in Fiona Millar’s dissection of free schools gives a misleading impression of our community-based primary school (Michael Gove’s free schools at 10: the most successful policy since the war – or a costly mistake?, 9 February).
The Belham originated as a partnership with Southwark council, which had an urgent need for more school places in the borough. Opening through the free-school route was the only option available at the time as a result of the government legislation introduced by Michael Gove.
The school’s admissions criteria have always followed those of the other non-faith-based schools in Southwark, being non-selective and based on distance and siblings. We are incredibly proud to be part of a local community in Peckham and of the strong emphasis our curriculum places on it, and on diversity, the arts and social citizenship.
Sonia Case
Founding executive headteacher, the Belham primary school, Peckham, London
James MacLeod
Parent and founding steering-group member of the school
