A FREE school with extended opening times to meet needs of working parents could be created in Oxford.

The proposal would allow parents to drop youngsters off as early as 8.15am and collect them up to 5.45pm, in a radical new approach to primary school education.

With the first 24 flagship free schools opening this week — in the first wave of state-funded schools set up by parents, teachers and charities outside council control — the first steps are being taken for one in Oxford city centre.

The school would cater for 168 children aged four to 11, with class numbers limited to 24. And “in response to parental demand” the year would consist of six terms, each of six or seven weeks, with a two-week holiday between and a four-week break in August.

Saturday opening would also be considered.

The scheme is being put forward by Oxford-based businessman Mike Reed, who believes the school could open by 2013 to combat city primary shortages.

Mr Reed said: “We know how difficult it is when two parents work. Parents struggle to find high-quality affordable childcare provision in Oxford.”

The key is an extended school service, available all year round, offering structured activities. It would be chargeable but “costs would be kept to a minimum”.

Mr Reed, owner of Banbury property company Lumar Developments, said he wanted to recruit university students to teach sports. After creating a Free School Oxford website, he hopes to hear from parents and teachers wishing to join the initiative.

He said: “We want to form a steering group of qualified, experienced teachers and working parents.” He said the curriculum would be “skills-based” with a strong emphasis on reading, writing and mental arithmetic. The school would be open to all children regardless of ability, faith, social or cultural background.

County Council spokesman, Owen Morton, said: “The council is in principle supportive. However, we cannot take a formal view on any free school until final plans have been submitted.”