A new 210-place primary school could be opening in Exmouth, offering children a different kind of curriculum.

The Exmouth International School, the brainchild of teacher Louise Knight, is applying for accreditation under the Government’s free schools programme.

The proposed school, which does not yet have a location, would teach the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate to children aged four to 11.

Louise, who has taught PYP in schools abroad, says it could offer children an alternative education, and offer the town an alternative way of accommodating growing demand for school places.

She said: “I want to give some children here the opportunity that, at the moment, is only available for kids in international schools or the very few who can afford it [at private schools].

“I believe children in the PYP system are at least as well educated, but also are so much more motivated and interested, so that behaviour issues automatically are much alleviated or non-existent.

“Right now the council is accommodating growth by extending existing schools.

“Another way to accommodate growth is to offer an alternative, not extend the existing schools and offer more of the same. Let us offer something else for people.”

If her application is successful, Louise says the new school could open next year, but that 2017 is ‘more likely’.

In order for a free school application to be accepted, it has to be demonstrated that the school would be full or oversubscribed within three years, and Louise is therefore looking for expressions of interest from local families, which can be submitted via the website at http://exmouthinternationalschool.weebly.com

Although there is not currently a location for the school, Louise suggests that part of the Rolle College site could be suitable, although she has not discussed or agreed this with Rolle Exmouth Ltd at this stage.

Rolle Exmouth Ltd chairman Roy Pryke said discussions would have to be held, but said: “We are open to any organisations that are seriously interested in using the Rolle Centre for premises that will add to the educational activities or community enterprises of Exmouth.”