CAMPAIGNERS behind plans for the North-East’s first free school are today a step closer to their dream.

Education Secretary Michael Gove met members of the campaign group, Barwick’s Own Second Secondary School (BO2SS), to discuss the proposals for a new school in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton.

At the meeting at the Conservative Party headquarters, in Stockton, he told the campaigners they could move ahead with the next stage.

Free schools have been introduced by the coalition Government and campaigners applied for a 600-place school in October.

The people behind the project say a free school will stop children in the town having to travel to Eaglescliffe and Yarm to get their education.

All Saints’ School, the only secondary school in Ingleby Barwick, has 650 places, but there are more than 1,800 pupils of secondary school age in the town.

Mr Gove said: “We can’t say for certain that Ingleby Barwick will get a free school, but these people have done everything we have asked them to do.

“The biggest hurdle is yet to come with the business plan, but here we have a group that is led by parents who know their children are not getting the education they deserve.”

Stephen Fryer, parent and chairman of the campaign group, said: “We are delighted to receive the news that we will be proceeding to the full business case for our free school application.

“We know that this is just a step along the way, and we still have a great deal to do, but this is excellent news for Ingleby Barwick.”