Schools will soon be re-opening after the summer, but the doors to Bradford’s latest free school look set to remain shut – for now.

The Department for Education has decided to pull the funding agreement for the city’s One In A Million Free School at Valley Parade – but why it should do so at such a late stage, when staff had been appointed and parents had bought school uniforms is a question many people will be asking.

Concerns regarding poor pupil recruitment and the school’s viability led to the deferral of the DfE funding agreement for 12 months.

However, for the charity behind the school and the parents and pupils involved, the decision has left them baffled and devastated.

The charity claims it was on track, with nearly two-thirds of student places filled. Staff had been recruited and appointed.

Matthew Band, chief executive of One In A Million, says they were amazed at the decision being taken at such a late stage.

“No doubt in the fullness of time we will find out the real reason for what has just happened and will consider our position, but we are determined to take this forward if at all possible and will pursue whatever avenues are open to us to make the One In A Million Free School a successful reality,” he said.

Such a move is bound to have a significant impact on the local community. In the meantime, Bradford Council is tasked with allocating alternative places to pupils who were due to attend the new school.

Stuart Herdson, branch secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, believes the decision calls into question the future of other Free schools in the city and district.

Five out of the 20 free schools nationally are in Bradford and Stuart believes that stopping this latest one before it has started puts a black mark against the establishment of free schools.

Roger L’Amie, Conservative Group spokesman for Children’s Services and education issues, says if this is a one-off situation he doesn’t think it will affect the confidence of schools applying for free school status in future. “I don’t think it ought to affect the confidence of parents or promoters, but I do think the lateness of this decision leaves a lot to be desired. I think the department (DfE) need to give some convincing explanation as to why this has been done at such a late date,” he said.

Bradford East MP David Ward calls the free school strategy “ideological” and says it has been carried out with either a lack of appreciation or indifference to the impact on other schools in the area.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe says: “You feel for the staff and people who have moved jobs to go to that school. I cannot understand why it has appeared so late in the day that they have not got enough pupils. A lot of work has gone into it, but it shows to me that this rush to free schools and change the emphasis is causing problems.

“For me, the problem with free schools is they are exempt from the National Curriculum so they don’t have to offer sports and things like that. I think parents want children to have a rounded education and may feel more traditional schools are a better option.”

Ralph Berry, Bradford Council’s executive member for children’s services, says: “I have been in touch with parents who are devastated. I believe the Government should refund those uniforms. It is grossly unfair on parents.

“No-one is being honest with us about why the decision has been made. Let’s hear a bit of credit for the local authority in picking up the pieces and making sure these parents will get supported.”

Coun Berry believes the issue needs addressing at Parliamentary level. “I have not heard an explanation that stacks up so far. It really is an unbelievable shambles,” he adds.

Jeanette Sunderland, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Bradford Council, says: “It is really disappointing because the school had got some really high ambitions and aspirations for young people and I am disappointed that, at the last minute, Whitehall decides to interfere. It has got to accept it cannot try to micro manage.”

A Department for Education spokesman said before any new schools open they have to be sure all conditions have been met. He said it is hoped that One In A Million will open in 2013.

The decision has prompted disgruntled parents to set up a petition to persuade the DfE to change its mind.

Free schools are one of the Government’s flagship projects. During the 2010 General Election David Cameron and Michael Gove, then shadow education secretary, attended a rally in Birkenshaw supporting the local community’s campaign for a free school in the village. On May 1, the BBG Academy opened on the site of the former Birkenshaw Middle School.