A TOTAL of 10 groups hope to set up so-called ‘Free Schools’ in the borough, with the majority set to be faith-based, according to a teachers’ union.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has warned that the schools, which would be run by parents independently of council control, would take vital cash away from the state sector.

The union says four Muslim schools and three Christian schools are planned and believes the faith-based education would cause ‘huge social division’ in a multi-cultural borough.

Addressing a conference last week, Education Secretary Michael Gove said free schools will help children in poorer areas access quality education.

But the NUT argues that as no new money will be available to set them up, funding for state schools will drop as children move into the independent sector.

Steve White, NUT deputy secretary, said: "This is totally immoral and seems to be part of the Government's plan to undermine local authority schools in the name of freedom and choice."

Many of the schools are expected to start with a single form, but the NUT say they could expand quickly and reach a total of around 200 pupils.

The union has also warned that some of the borough's schools will be close to not being financially viable if they lose just one form of entry.

Full list of groups hoping to set up free schools:

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Forest Light Education Plus

Science Teacher Group

Chingford Parent Group

Ghousia Education Trust

Science Educationalists

Noor ­Ul Islam

Marian Mission

Lantern

East London Schools

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