More than 100 people have signed a petition to support a new church-run primary school intended to “inspire the adults of tomorrow”.

St John the Baptist, in Wood Street, Chipping Barnet, is asking parents to back plans for the new Church of England School.

The church needs 500 signatures before it can send an application to the Department of Education under the Government’s free school’s project.

Father Tristan Chapman and volunteers from the congregation hope the new school will be open by September 2016.

He said: “There’s a distinct lack of school places and we are predicting that population is going to continue rising. Church of England schools get two to three times more applicants than places.

“We’ve had a huge response so far and only had positive reactions. We’re not going to force something the community doesn’t want.”

Only parents with children due to start primary school in 2016 can sign up.

The new school, which does not yet have a name, would be built in Arkley or High Barnet.

This year, 92 per cent of pupils received their first choice of school for September 2014 but there are concerns more than 200 children will be without a place in the next few years.

Father Chapman added: “It will be for people of all backgrounds but run with a Christian ethos. It will be a great thing for the community, inspiring the adults of tomorrow.”

The team are also looking for project managers to help shape the new school. For more information on the petition, or to get involved, call 020 8440 7490.