Proposals are afoot for a new free school, with a focus on encouraging children in sport and involving the whole community with the learning process.

Thomson House School, which if successful would be located in Barnes, Mortlake or East Sheen, has been suggested as a way of dealing with primary school shortages across the borough and its proposers are gearing up to apply for educational status under the government’s free school initiative.

Thomson House team leader Matteo Rossetti , currently head of prep at Harrodian School, said by building a new primary school he hoped school place shortages could be avoided.

He said: “We believe that an outstanding education is the right of every child.

“Although there are excellent primaries in Richmond, there simply aren’t enough places and the shortage is set to grow.

“We aim to deliver an outstanding, truly all-rounded education that will enable our pupils to lead fulfilling lives in the new century.”

The school which has been proposed by a group of local residents would, if accepted by the Department of Education (DfE), aim to open in September 2013.

The school would be a mixed primary school providing education for four to 11 year olds.

Smita Choraria, Thomson House project manager, said they had started putting together plans for the school and wanted parents to get involved and ensure the case for demand for the new school was adequately made to the DfE.

She said: “It’s a real challenge. The fact is the primary schools in the borough are really good and offer something that is very special but there is a need for more places.

“We are very much from the local community, a group from the borough that’s been working also in the borough for some time and we feel we have quite a good understanding of the local community and can better link in [with existing schools] and do some grassroots work and be very clear on what we’re offering.

“What we’re offering is quite distinct. We really feel skills in numeracy and literacy are so important at that stage but also offering more than that, in addition we will really focus on wellbeing of children and their physical activity, creativity and independent thinking.”

Mr Rossetti added: “We see fulfilment as more than success. We see it arising from the achievement of excellent skills, personal well-being and a dedication to the positive development of one’s community.”

A public meeting to discuss plans will be held at Barnes Sports Club at 10.30am on Saturday, December 17.

For details, visit thomsonhouseschool.org.