CHESTER MP Stephen Mosley believes free schools can be ‘beacons of educational excellence’.

Mr Mosley welcomed the news that both The University Cathedral Free School and St Martin’s Academy had been given the green light to open in September 2013.

He said: “This is great news for the city of Chester and great news for our children.

“Free schools can be beacons of educational excellence and I welcome the news that educational choice is set to expand in our city.”

Education Secretary Michael Gove said: “Free schools are driving up standards across the country.

“Now more and more groups are taking advantage of the freedoms we’ve offered to create wonderful new schools.”