Everton FC charity's free school proposal

Everton Football Club's charity arm has asked the Department for Education if it can set up and run a free school.

Everton in the Community has submitted an expression of interest to the DfE to run a school that would use sport to engage a wider spectrum of students.

The charity said the school would be an extension of its existing "successful community programmes" in sport, education and social development.

Free schools are government-funded, but run by parents or community groups.

The school in Liverpool, which would be outside of local authority control, would be open to young people aged 14 to 19, said the charity.

Dr Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive of Everton in the Community, said: "Our intention to explore an Everton in the Community Free School is based upon the desire to provide a high quality, inspirational and transformational educational experience for the young people of Liverpool for whom school is not always the best place for them to learn.

"We wish to engage students with a new innovative approach to educational provision backed by the brand and values of Everton Football Club, which are already firmly embedded within our community scheme."