Gove promises no 'wackoidal' free schools

Sunday, 4 September 2011 11:38 AM

By Ian Dunt

Michael Gove's free school programme will leave no space for "wackoidal" theories on religion and science, he has pledged.

The education secretary has been criticised in some quarters for the way that free schools operate independently of local authority control, potentially opening them up to abuse by Christian or Islamic benefactors.

Asked how he could guarantee that creationism would not be taught in the institutions, he replied: "I've been crystal clear that we should not have schools set up by extremists."

There would be "no space for teaching of wackoidal theories", he added.

Mr Gove tried to skate over suggestions that Nick Clegg prevented him allowing free schools to make a profit in the state system, with advance reports suggesting the deputy prime minister will claim credit for the rearguard defence at a speech to parents and teachers tomorrow.

"Nick and I are completely in agreement on this. It's not an issue," Mr Gove told the Andrew Marr show.

But pressed on the matter Mr Gove repeated that there was no need for profit-making free schools "at the moment", raising concerns among some activists that the door is open to introducing a profit-making component in the future.
 

Special event coverage

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: Celebrating the Social Sciences

Evidence-based policy should not be a radical concept. It needs to be celebrated.

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: 2 languages: 2 brains, 2 minds, 2 cultures?

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences, the Deafness Cognition And Language Research Centre (DCAL) hosted an event exploring the powerful benefits of bilingualism in spoken and sign languages, for hearing and deaf people alike - benefits that reach hearing and deaf people alike.

Opinion Former Events

Voice: Feeling stressed? Understand yourself? Now, move forward Conference

Application forms are now available for an exciting conference in Manchester. The fun-packed day will give you practical solutions and advice on managing stress and time to help you achieve a work/life balance.

BHA: The Marriage Debate - ‘This house would legalise same-sex marriage in England and Wales'

Two weeks before the Government’s consultation on same-sex marriage draws to a close, Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association is participating in a debate hosted by Catholic Voices on the motion, ‘This House Would Legalise Same-Sex Marriage’.

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition and Conference

This one-day event is targeted at professionals operating in the information destruction industry, and aims at keeping delegates updated on recent developments in their sector, providing an opportunity to network with fellow professionals, whilst offering access to an informative exhibition and a comprehensive conference programme.

ABI: The Future of Long-term Savings & Retirement Income - Automatic Enrolment and Beyond Conference

The Future of Long-term Savings & Retirement Income - Automatic Enrolment and Beyond Conference

Take the Gold Challenge for St Dunstan's

We provide lifelong support for blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women. You can help give more blind heroes an independent future by taking the Gold Challenge

TACT: 2013 Virgin London Marathon

Join TACT at one of the greatest sporting events on the planet and help give a child in care a future to smile about.

Newsletter sign up

By signing-up you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.

Unsubscribe