But the school made amendments to its application – including a commitment to move pupils and staff between the two sites – designed to win approval.
But one thing that shines through on every page of this book is Birbalsingh's commitment to the pupils in her care.
She was justifiably proud of her teaching career at PS99 Bronx where in addition to commitment to her pupils, she ultimately trained many of the young inexperienced teachers that had joined the system because of the war in Vietnam.
The centre ground - the majority of moderate, sensible, not very ideological voters - want choice in a market that works, but also want public services staffed and run by people with a commitment to their pupils, patients and passengers that is not just commercial.
Prince Charles also drops in at a school in south London which has seen its commitment to reconnect pupils with the soil coincide with improved exam results.
Viewers can read write-ups by pupils (known as "Paulines") of trips to Florida, soccer matches and musical productions, which give credence to St Paul's commitment to providing pupils with a cultural and spiritual as well as academic education.
By Suzanne Beukes In the Central African Republic, where an already weak education system has been further set back by prolonged conflict, one teacher shows her commitment to her pupils – and her country.
I saw him a couple of months ago about the previous government's commitment to every pupil having 18 hours of cookery in secondary schools across the country.
Their wish to improve education is evident and I welcome some of their actions – the commitment to the pupil premium, maths hubs and some of the work on special needs – but beyond that, three more significant areas of activity are emerging.
Schools minister Lord Nash said: "The school will greatly enhance education provision in Westminster and exemplifies what the free school programme is all about - strong vision, leadership, and a commitment to ensuring all pupils achieve their full potential regardless of their background".
Speaking on the party's campaign bus on Monday, Clegg said the Lib Dem commitment to increase per-pupil spending for two- to 19-year-olds in real terms over the next parliament was non-negotiable and would have to be included in any coalition deal.
