Evangelical church based around creationism plans to open free school

An evangelical church which places creationism at the heart of its belief system is applying to open a free school.

The Everyday Champions Church in Nottinghamshire will teach evolution as a theory as part of the science curriculumPhoto: ALAMY

8:59AM GMT 05 Feb 2011

Comments

The Everyday Champions Church, based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, has said it will teach evolution as a "theory".

Free schools can be set up by charities, universities, businesses, educational groups, teachers and groups of parents.

The church wants to open the new school in September next year and says there are currently not enough secondary places available in the area.

Pastor Gareth Morgan, the church's leader, told the Independent: "Creationism will be embodied as a belief at the Everyday Champions Academy but will not be taught in the sciences. Similarly, evolution will be taught as a theory."

Evolution is a recognised part of the science curriculum.