PARENTS have vowed to fight on after their plans for a new secondary school in the Birkenshaw area were turned down by children’s secretary Ed Balls.

Mr Balls said the proposals by the BBG Parent’s Alliance would have a detrimental effect on education elsewhere in the borough.

BBG Parents’ Alliance spokeswoman Lesley Surman said his decision had come as no surprise to the group.

“We are disappointed with the decision the Secretary of State has reached. However, we are not surprised by the outcome.

“We will not give up on the needs of our children and we are working to establish a strong group that will be able run our new school.

“We intend to establish a school that is non-selective for the children in Birkenshaw, Gomersal and East Bierley and offers real choice to children in Birstall. Our plans will deliver an inclusive school committed to delivering outstanding education.

“We are uncompromising on the level of ambition for all of our children, for our school and for our community.”

The BBG Parents’ Alliance, which represents parents in Birkenshaw, Birstall, Gomersal and East Bierley – in partnership with giant international services company Serco – submitted proposals back in December requesting permission to publish plans for a 900-pupil school on the site of Birkenshaw Middle School.

BBG Parents’ Alliance and Serco are looking to work with a number of other organisations to develop plans to establish a new school by applying to central Government for direct funding.

The Alliance is looking to become one of the first new ‘free’ schools which are being proposed to be introduced by the Conservatives.

They are currently working on details of a new school proposal that will be submitted to the government after the General Election.

Mr Balls turned down the plans after commissioning a report into its impact.

He said the free market the Tories are proposing would be of detriment to other children.