The Government has announced a new secondary free school will be built in Harpenden.

The Harpenden Secondary Free School will cater for 1150 children, as well as a 250-place Sixth Form, and will become the first new secondary school built in the town for more than 50 years.

It comes after Hertfordshire County Council figures forecast a shortfall of secondary places in the town’s schools will increase from at least 120 in 2017 to 248 places in 2019.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Delivering the best schools and skills for young people is a crucial part of our long term economic plan to secure a better future for Britain.

“Free schools set up by teachers, parents and community groups are not only outperforming other schools, but they are raising the performance of those around them, meaning more opportunities for children to learn the skills they need to get on in life.

“These new schools are an important part of our plan to improve education by raising standards and restoring discipline so our children can compete with the world’s best and enjoy a better future.

The Harpenden Secondary School Trust (HSET) submitted a bid to the Government to establish a new secondary school on a 21 hectare piece of land north of Lower Luton Road in Batford.

The trust is led by the town’s three current secondary schools St George’s, Roundwood Park and Sir John Lawes in conjunction with the University of Herts and Rothamsted Research.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: “Free schools give pupils the chance to attend an excellent local school.

“Today’s announcement sends a clear sign that children for generations to come will be able to benefit from a place in a free school.

“With already more than two-thirds being rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, today’s news will reassure parents that standards will continue to rise.”