Staff hoping to create a free school in St Budeaux have made it through the first step of the application process.

Marine Academy wants to build a primary school on its site at the same time as it undergoes multi million pound refurbishment work.

They have now been invited to an interview at the department for education next month.

Free schools have proved controversial for some because they can be set up by charities, parents or businesses and those teaching there don't  have to have the same level of  qualifications.

But this school will be backed by the same sponsors as the academy, which include the university and Cornwall College.

 Principal Helen Mathieson has said all the teachers will be fully qualfied. 

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