A new free school is to be created in Wythenshawe.

David Cameron made the announcement as he vowed ‘not to waver’ in his commitment to open 500 new free schools over the next five years. The Prime Minister revealed the first wave to be approved this parliament.

Piper Hill Vocational Learning Free School, a special school in Wythenshawe, will help children with severe learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorder become more independent.

They will also be taught ‘employability’ skills through a range of courses, including horticulture, animal welfare, catering and hospitality.

Piper Hill Specialist Support School converted to become an academy in March as part of the Piper Hill Learning Trust. The vocational-focused free school will be opened under the same trust.

Prime Minister David Cameron speaking to pupils during a visit to Corby Technical School today

The school’s focus will be developing personal independence, employability skills and preparing youngsters for the world of work.

Piper Hill high relocated to a purpose-built £24m campus in Wythenshawe with St Paul’s Roman Catholic High School in 2007.

The Piper Hill Learning Trust was judged as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in March 2013.

Mr Cameron announced 18 new free schools across the country today, providing more than 9,000 extra places. The total number of places created by free schools is now 236,000, with 300 sites open.

Mr Cameron said: “We are clear that every family should have access to a great local school and every child should get the very best education - and free schools are a crucial part of that aim.

“The aim of this policy is crystal clear - to increase the number of good and outstanding school places so that more parents have the security of knowing their child is getting a great education.”

What are Free Schools?

Free schools are independent, state-funded schools which can be set up by parents, existing schools, businesses - or any other organisation.

There are currently 13 free schools in Greater Manchester, with six more due to open next September.

Free schools in the north west have already created more than 13,000 extra places.

Two more free schools opened in Greater Manchester this term, creating a further 1,500 places.

West Didsbury CE Primary School opened its doors this week, led by the Saint James and Emmanuel Academy Trust - the group behind the over-subscribed Didsbury C of E Primary School. Unity Community Primary in Cheetham Hill has also opened, under The Big Life Schools Trust - the group behind Longsight Community Primary.