MP for Southgate David Burrowes has backed plans for the UK's first Greek Orthodox state secondary school to be built in north London.

A committee of volunteers, supported by the Russell Education Trust, are putting together a bid to open a Free School under Greek Orthhodox values, and are scouting out possible sites in Barnet and Enfield.

Their efforts have been boosted this week by several supporters to their cause, including Conservative MP Mr Burrowes.

He said the plans “will provided additional choice for the local community and meet the demand of the significant numbers of parents who appreciate the values and ethos of the Greek Orthodox church.”

Also among the supporters is Michael Ellinas, headteacher of Finchley and Manor Hill Greek Schools, who said the Greek community in north London “need urgently” a school of this kind.

He added: “During the last 15-20 years the Greek population has moved and we now have a lot of people living around north London. Eighty per cent of them are third or fourth generation and many are in mixed marriages.

“The vast majority don’t attend the Greek community schools and are losing their language and culture – it’s the biggest problem we’ve faced so far as a community.”

The school, if given the go-ahead, will follow the National Curriculum, but will have added lessons on Greek culture, religion, language, and history.

The committee of trustees are also exploring the idea of teaching Latin, Ancient Greek, and Classics alongside the more mainstream subjects.

A full application to open a free school is likely to be submitted in June, once the committee of trustees can show there is a need for this school and it enjoys broad support of the public.