Education Secretary Nicky Morgan has today approved 35 new free school applications, including one in Watford.

St John's Church of England Primary School will offer 420 places for four to 11-year-olds.

The school, in the parish of St John's Watford in partnership with the Diocese of St Albans, is set to open in September 2016 in the centre of the town. No site has been identified.

It will welcome children from all faiths or no faith, providing them with a learning environment through a cross-curricular approach.

The school will place itself at the centre of the community and will run community events to contribute to the children’s learning and further develop its partnership with the community.

The announcement comes as a survey published today suggests free schools are having a positive effect on the standard of education in neighbouring schools.

Mr Morgan said: "Thanks to our plan for education more children in England have the opportunity to go to a good or outstanding school than ever before, and free schools have been crucial to that change - with more than two thirds of free schools meeting this high standard.

"We are giving thousands more parents a choice of high-quality local schools that offer the excellent standard of education that all pupils deserve.

"I am pleased to see how free schools are collaborating and supporting other nearby schools - and now 35 more of them will help even more young people fulfil their potential."