Trinity academy in Thorne, near Doncaster, does not open until September but has already had applications from every parent with an eligible child in its catchment area.
By contrast, plans for another academy at nearby Conisbrough, also sponsored by evangelical Christian Sir Peter Vardy, were shelved last month after parents’ protests.
Ian Brew, the Trinity head, said: “I have had people asking if we are going to ram religion down children’s throats, or make them carry bibles everywhere,” he said.
But Mr Brew, a creationist, said these were misconceptions. By speaking “honestly and openly” with parents, they had won them round. The prospect of a brand new building and the school’s belief in uniform had also helped.
Jane Clamp, whose daughters Emily and Jessica start at the school next September, said: “I think what gave me confidence was their confidence that they could do a better job. It was the results it achieved rather than the school’s academy status that were most important, she said. “City academy is just a title, really.”
