Matthew has welcomed the opening of another free school in the Hendon constituency. Watling Park Primary in Burnt Oak opens this term with two reception classes and will ultimately provide 420 additional school places for local children.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced a further wave of free schools this week and vowed he would "not waver” in his commitment to open 500 new free schools over the next five years. This will create 270,000 school places across the country.

Matthew said: “I am committed to fighting for a first class education for our children – and free schools are a crucial part of that aim.

"This school in Burnt Oak will provide much-needed, good school places in an area of high demand. It is disappointing that local Labour Party representatives attempted to jeopadize the future of local children by challenging the Council's decision to make the land available for the school but I am relieved that their petty political game was defeated. More local parents will now have the security of knowing that their child will get an excellent education through a varied curriculum which will offer new opportunities as well as academic rigour.

“The Conservative Government is committed to raising standards in schools and free schools will increase the number of good and outstanding school places, drive up standards in existing schools and give parents more choice of an excellent education for their children. I hope there will be more free schools in my constituency over the next five years."