EDUCATION chiefs are holding talks with the Vardy Foundation that could lead to two more schools coming under its control in the North-East.
The Durham evangelical charity is in talks with Sunderland and Northumberland local education authorities.
It already sponsors Emmanuel College, in Gateshead, and King's Academy, in Middlesbrough.
Trinity Academy, in Thorne, near Doncaster, is due to open in September.
The organisation, run by North-East businessman Sir Peter Vardy, a fundamental Christian, has courted controversy by teaching "creationism" and placing doubts about Darwin's theory of evolution.
The City of Sunderland Council has set up a working group looking into potential benefits of bringing an academy to the city.
Sarah French, a spokesman for The Vardy Foundation, said Northumberland County Council was considering taking up sponsorship for a college in Blyth. She said the foundation's academies were Christian-based, but not faith schools, and welcomed youngsters from non-Christian backgrounds.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article