Oliver is delighted that a new special free school will be opening in September 2024 in Potters Bar.

Following the local authority’s assessment of the proposals received, the Department for Education has agreed, in principle, that sponsorship of the new free school be awarded to Agora Learning Partnership.

Mr Dowden said: ‘I am delighted that a new special free school will be opening in Potters Bar in September 2024.

I am also pleased that the Department for Education has agreed that sponsorship of the new free school will be awarded to Agora Learning Partnership.’

Oliver added: ‘This is a significant step in our commitment to expand provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities and I know the delivery of these additional school places will be very much welcomed in the local community as it continues to grow.’

The school will provide 60 additional school places for children needing communication and autism support between the ages of 4 to 11 years old.