United Learning Trust: Anglican charity linked to the United Church Schools Company and chaired by Lord Carey (pictured), former Archbishop of Canterbury

Number of academies: 12 (of which four are already open)

Oasis Trust: Christian charity founded by Steve Chalke (left), Baptist minister and TV presenter. Now involved in worldwide missionary, healthcare, education and housing initiatives.

Academies: Four

Sir Peter Vardy: Car dealer, worth an estimated pound;75m. Set up the Emmanuel Schools Foundation to provide education “based upon Christian principles”.

Academies: Three (two open, plus a city technology college) Bob Edmiston: Owner of the IM Group, an information management company, and personally worth up to pound;400m. Founded the evangelical charity

Christian Vision. Academies: Two

Eric Payne: Owner of a family engineering business and said to be worth Pounds 65m. Founder of the Grace Foundation, a charity to support Christian work.

Academies: One

Graham Dacre: Millionaire founder of the Lind Automotive Group and Lind Trust, a charitable foundation. Academies: One

Church of England

Academies:15 (including three open)

Roman Catholic Church

Academies: four (including two open)

Note: numbers of academies include those being built or undergoing feasibility studies. Some academies have more than one sponsor