THE future of a primary school in Barkingside is one step closer to being decided with three bidders pursuing the site.

Proposals were received by Redbridge Council for Ilford Jewish Primary School, in Carlton Drive, from three education providers.

Bids from the Al-Noor Foundation, the I-Foundation and Redbridge Council have been received.

The three are in the running to take over the school, subject to Redbridge Council acquiring the site.

The decision to keep the site as a primary school was made in June.

Ilford Jewish Primary’s students will move to the site of King Solomon High School, Forest Road, Barkingside.

Al-Noor, a Muslim education charity which runs a school in Green Lane, Goodmayes, said in its statement: “Over a third of the children in our schools in Redbridge are Muslim. There is a disproportionate level of underachievement among the communities from which these children come.”

I-Foundation is planning to open the borough’s first Hindu school.

A spokesman for the education charity said it will be “a community school that caters for all – with the only difference being that Hindu virtues and values will be a consistent theme”.

The council is also bidding to create a community school. Open to pupils of all backgrounds, “particular attention will be given to improving the achievement and life chances of children from poor homes”.

People will be able to give their views until February 3. Two public meetings will be held on January 6 at Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford, from 5-6.30pm, and from 7-8.30pm.

A decision will be made by the Independent Office of the Schools Adjudicator after the consultation.

To comment on the new school, email newprimaryschool@redbridge.gov.uk, or write to John O’Keefe, Chief Officer Planning and Resources, New Primary School Competition, London Borough of Redbridge, Lynton House, 225-259 High Road, Ilfor