A new bilingual free school has announced a partnership with Harrow School and Cambridge University.

Saint Jérôme Church of England Bilingual Primary School, previously called Harrow Bilingual School has entered a new educational partnership with Harrow School, in Harrow-on-the-Hill.

The school will form a new Church of England primary school with two Reception classes, teaching French to pupils form an early age.

Headteacher Daniel Norris said: “We are fortunate to have practical support from two such prestigious institutions. These partnerships will benefit the staff, pupils, parents and whole school community.”

Harrow School deputy headteacher Alastair Land said: “Harrow School has always welcomed strong links with local schools and we are looking forward to developing our educational partnership with St Jerome’s School.

“We see significant potential for boys learning languages to support a wide range of after school and enrichment activities.

“We have enjoyed welcoming prospective parents to open days and we are looking forward to welcoming children from St Jerome’s School to use our facilities.”

The new primary, which will also be supported by Holy Trinity CE Primary School, in Northwood, was given the go ahead by the Department for Education in October and has also joined with University of Cambridge Bilingual Network in a research partnership.

The school and university’s department of applied linguistics will be able to look at the effects of a bilingual environment on pupils at the school.

Dr Napoleon Katsos, from the University of Cambridge. said: "Our research partnership means we will help the school to monitor the impact of the bilingual environment and we will regularly share our findings and suggestions for best practice with staff and parents."