A free school for children in Camden, Westminster and Brent has submitted a bid to the government to open in September next year.

The West Hampstead International School (WHIS) intends to specialise in languages and music for pupils aged four to 18.

In January, WHIS appealed for 1,000 signatures from parents of children, aged seven to nine, or under the age of two, to help it gain government approval.

On Friday, four mothers delivered a 2,000-strong petition, along with the proposals, to the Department for Education.

Clare Craig, of WHIS, said: “With nearly 2,000 children signed up, the local support has been overwhelming.”

The school’s founders say that its curriculum has been developed with the support of schools in Hertfordshire such as Dame Alice Owen’s, Watford Boys’ Grammar and Watford Girls’ Grammar.

It will also offer one-to-one mentoring for every pupil as part of its pastoral services.

n For more details go to westhampsteadinternational.org.