A building in the south of the city at Lady Pit Lane, in Beeston, has been bought and is awaiting refurbishment for the proposed Sikh community-backed Nishkam School Trust school, which could open in 2014.
Plans are to be submitted into Leeds City Council for both a primary and high school, but initially it is hoped that a school for around 120 primary age children would open.
Sikh community leader Harjinder Sagoo, of Leeds, said it would attract children from families of all religions and faiths.
The plan is backed by the Nishkam Trust, which is also involved with similar free schools in Hounslow, London and Slough.
Mr Sagoo said: “I’ve heard about the proposals and there is already a similar one running in London. A ‘free’ school offers a high standard of education regardless of cast or creed.”
Although backed by the Sikh-run trust and teaching with a Sikh ethos, the school is open to pupils of all faiths and backgrounds. It has been hailed as a flagship for the free school movement.
He said a group had bought the premises in south Leeds and had made progress on some works but were awaiting permission for the remainder: “If the go-ahead is given, it will be a boost, not just for the Sikh community, but all people who want a high standard of education for their children.”
Free schools were introduced by the coalition in 2010 making it possible for parents, teachers, charities and businesses to set up their own schools through the Department for Education. Free schools are an extension of the existing Academies Programme.
Leeds City Council said they had not received a planning application to date."
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