PUPILS and teachers at Reach Academy in Feltham welcomed the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to the borough’s only free school on Wednesday.

During his visit to Bridge House, the temporary school site on Hanworth Road, Mr Johnson unveiled plans for the permanent home which is to be built on Feltham High Street, and signed a brick that will be used in the new building.

He also met students in Year 7 and handed out awards for those that have read a million words since the start of the school year, before joining the Reception class for a spot of lunch.

The mayor said: “Reach Academy Feltham is a terrific example of what can be achieved by a driven, committed group of people, wanting to offer an exceptional education to all children.

“It brilliantly shows how existing buildings can be converted into high quality teaching spaces, which in turn will help transform the lives of local youngsters.

“My education inquiry identified an urgent need for more buildings to be made available for groups wanting to set up free schools and we will do all we can to help identify suitable sites.”

The school which first opened last September with a maximum of 60 children in reception and year seven only, was founded by a group of teachers. When full, it will serve pupils from nursery through to A-level.

Principal Ed Vainker was thrilled to have welcomed the mayor to Reach. He said: “It is exciting to have the mayor see the impact of the hard work pupils, staff members and parents have put in since we opened in September. We believe that every one of our pupils is capable of academic success, and the mayor has seen them on a path towards the lives of choice and opportunity they deserve.”

Plans for the new school building include a nursery and sixth form block, a large sports hall and two games areas, plus a drama studio, and science, art and music spaces.

A sports pitch and a sixth form terrace on the roof are also planned.

Parents attended a consultation with detailed plans for the school and its new building at Bridge House on Thursday.

Visit www.reachacademyfeltham.com or call 020 3551 9305.