Project to help poor children win places at top universities

A school reserved for children from poor families is being planned for east London.

The new free school, run by a group of independent and state schools, would not accept any students whose parents earn more than £26,000. Designed to help inner city teenagers get into leading universities, it will be highly selective and only teach academic A-level subjects.

The project, which could be approved by Education Secretary Michael Gove this week, is being led by Brighton College. Harrow School and King's College School in Wimbledon could also take part, lending teachers on secondment, while 16 comprehensives in Newham are also supporting the proposals.

Joan Deslandes, head teacher at Kingsford community school in Newham, which doesn't have a sixth form, said: "This will provide a focus for ambition for disadvantaged children across London."

Richard Cairns, headmaster of Brighton College, said: "What we will not be doing is providing places for middle-class kids to come across London. There will be a maximum family income." Currently, schools are not allowed to select pupils according to social background.

The Government is considering changing this to help pupils from poor families.