A new free school is to be built in Elmbridge as part of plans outlined by David Cameron in his final act as Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron announced proposals to build the Elmbridge Free School during a visit to Reach Academy in Feltham, west London, an outstanding-rated free school set up during the outgoing PM’s tenure.

Provisional plans to build the school were submitted by the ElmWey Learning Trust to the Department for Education in March, with parents in both Walton and Molesey having complained about the area’s lack of school places.

Mr Cameron said: “Free schools have been at the heart of this government’s education reforms which have seen more than 1.4 million more children in good or outstanding schools since 2010.

“More than 300 have been created since I became Prime Minister and 200 are set to open, meaning tens of thousands more young people, many from disadvantaged areas, finally have a choice of a good education that helps them reach their full potential.”

The announcement could see a tug-of-war battle break out between parents in Molesey and Walton as to where the school will be built.

In total, Mr Cameron announced plans to build 31 new free schools across the country, providing about 20,000 places for pupils.

The Department of Education expects many of the schools to open by September 2017.