School ICT supplier European Electronique, based in Eynsham, has been awarded a £480,000 five-year contract to design a ‘cloud’ computer system for one of the first free schools to open in the UK — the West London Free School in Hammersmith.

Due to open later this year, the West London Free School is viewed by many as the flagship project of Michael Gove’s education reforms and was the first free school to sign a funding agreement.

Latest figures show that 281 groups have applied to set up their own free schools in 2012 and the West London Free School, specialising in music, will be one of the first to open in September.

European Electronique will provide an system based on ‘cloud’ computing, using software from Internet servers, and implementing one of the first Microsoft Office 365 deployments in Britain's schools.

The company claims the technology will bring significant efficiencies and cost savings in storage, processing and management requirements.

Toby Young, of the West London Free School, said it would provide a traditional, grammar-school curriculum to a genuinely comprehensive group of children.

“In order to do that effectively it will need to be as imaginative and innovative as possible in its approach to teaching and learning. That means an effective ICT system is absolutely essential.

“We have chosen European Electronique as our strategic ICT partner as the company demonstrated a very clear understanding of our school and the challenges we face and put forward a highly innovative solution that represents excellent value for money.”

The company’s chief executive, Yolanta Gill, said: “It is very exciting to be involved in one of the first free schools to open in England.

“We believe all eyes will be on the school's development and ICT will play an important role in helping the school achieve its goals.

“Working closely with the Microsoft team and implementing one of the first instances of Office 365 for education underpins our innovative approach and determination to push the boundaries of new technologies.”

Steve Beswick, Head Microsoft UK Education said: '”We have been working closely with the West London Free School helping develop innovative thinking around new delivery models for ICT.

“We are delighted that European Electronique has been awarded this project and we will be supporting them all the way.”