Durham Free School faces fresh criticism over creationism worksheet

Durham Free School, which is to be closed down after a damning OFSTED report, is facing new criticism after it emerged pupils were told God designed the solar system.

The message was given to Year 7 pupils by a science teacher. A homework worksheet stated “Only the Earth has life on it. God has designed the solar system so that the Earth can support life.”

The Government has banned schools from teaching theories that God created the universe. Doing so breaches the law and the school's funding agreement.

The school says the worksheet was an isolated incident.

The school is due to close at Easter after a damning OFSTED report despite protests from pupils and parents.

The Education Secretary says the government's decision is final and a legal challenge is the only option left open.

Parents met Nicky Morgan yesterday but while she listened to their concerns, she insists they can't change her mind.

Ofsted inspectors slated the school's leadership, teaching, behaviour and achievement.

Parents dispute the findings and had planned a protest but instead went to see the Secretary of State armed with a petition and letters from pupils fighting to keep the school open. They came away disappointed.

Jenny Denning is the parent of a pupil at the school.

The main option left now for parents and governors is to seek a judicial review, or similar legal challenge through the High Court but they face a tight deadline.

One expert has told ITV News Tyne Tees that they will need to act within days to stand any chance of stopping the closure at the end of March.