Richmond Council says plans to axe the building of a free school in Mortlake risks worsening pressure on other secondary schools.

The authority says the proposed Livingstone Academy West London would have addressed a clear need for school places in the area.

It would have been run by the Aspirations Academies Trust and accommodated 900 pupils across years 7 to 11 plus a sixth form.

The council approved the new school in 2023, following collaboration with the Department for Education since 2018.

But the department announced it was axing the plans last week.

The Council is urging ministers to reconsider the decision; we’ve contacted the Department for Education for comment.