Engineering academy, school for children at crisis point in education, and new secondary can progress

The Khalsa Engineering Academy would be a primary school focused on teaching technical and problem-solving skills. It would have a Sikh ethos, but would be non-selective and open to all children regardless of faith.

The trust behind the school is looking at three potential sites in the BD2 and BD3 areas, with a view to opening its doors in September 2014.

It would be a sister school to the Khalsa Science Academy, which is set to open in Leeds this year.

Principal designate Mark Scott said the Bradford school would be kitted out with state-of-the-art facilities and was already over-subscribed. He said key engineering skills were sought-after in the workplace, and that the trust was consulting with Bradford University about how it could teach them.

Mr Scott said the Khalsa Science Academy would not be a faith school but would encourage Sikh values of honesty, sharing and respect for the world.

He said: “Bradford has a large Sikh community and these are core values to them. It’s not about taking a particular line with religious education.”

It is one of three free school applications in the district which were given initial approval by the Department for Education yesterday.

Transforming Lives For Good, a Christian charity, has been given permission to progress its plan for a free school for children excluded from school or at a crisis point in their education. And Dixons City Academy Trust, which already has four schools across the city, has been given permission for a new secondary free school.

Free schools are state-funded but independent of local authority control. Teachers can decide the length of the school day and term, the curriculum and how they spend their money.

The schools must now hold consultations in their area, find sites and appoint principals before applying for full funding. They could open their doors as early as next year.

e-mail: claire.armstrong@telegraphandargus.co.uk