The Royal Society said scientific theories must not be misrepresented to “promote particular religious beliefs”. Professor David Read, its vice president, said: “Our government is pursuing a flexible education system, but it should also be able to ensure ... that young people in maintained schools or academies are not taught that the scientific evidence supports creationism and intelligent design in the way that it supports evolution.”

The Emmanuel Schools Foundation, which sponsors two academies and a city technology college, has faced criticism for teaching creationism alongside evolutionary theories.