There are 2,400 classroom places going begging in the area where Michael Gove handed a failing private school a £5million bailout.

He was Education Secretary when he effectively nationalised the school, paying off its debts and converting it to a state academy.

Critics said this was a prime example of the Tories frittering money on unneeded new schools rather than creating more places in regions that need them.

Mr Gove’s “free schools” project will result in 80 academies opening this term. Many are in areas with no shortage of classroom places.

After a merger in 2013, the bailed-out King’s School in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, became Kings Priory academy.

Gaffe: Michael Gove (
Image:
Getty)

Council-controlled schools in the borough start the academic year with 2,438 spare places.

Ian Grayson, Labour councillor responsible for education in North Tyneside, said: “Schools are being created at the whim of the ­Government in areas where there are too many schools.

“But in other parts of the country there is a schools places crisis. This is wasting taxpayers’ money.”

About 80,000 new places will be needed in England within five years.

By 2018, Croydon in South London faces a 43% shortfall.

The Department for Education last defended Mr Gove’s decision to save the private school.

It said: “We are unapologetic that parents now have greater choice, with increased competition raising standards in the area.”