Parents can now apply to send their children to a new school opening in September 2014.

Harperbury Free School, in Harper Lane, Radlett, is currently accepting applications from children currently in year six.

Pupils living in Borehamwood, Shenley, Radlett, St Albans and Bricket Wood will be eligible to apply.

It was approved by the Department of Education in May following a three-year campaign lead by father-of-two Clive Glover, who wanted to open an "ultra local" school.

He said: "Children in the area go to a total of 54 different schools and it can be very tiring for them.

"I am really excited we have made it this far, it will be a very unique school."

The school, which is so big it spans out over both St Albans and Shenley, will take 120 Year 7 pupils in its first year.

Parents will find out if their child has been offered a place by Monday, March 3, 2014.

As well as holding a breakfast club from 8am, the school will also offer a compulsory "prep" hour form 3.30pm where students will be expected to do their homework.

On other days, they will be able to sign up to extra-curricular activities such as drama, music or sports sessions.

Teachers also hope to work with businesses in the area to give children a taste of the working world, by offering internships and workshops.