Senior civil servants will be hauled before a committee of MPs to explain how the Kings Science Academy scandal was allowed to happen.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has agreed to hold an evidence session to explore apparent fraud at the Bradford free school.

Margaret Hodge, the PAC’s Labour chairman, agreed to act after a meeting with Bradford East MP David Ward, who had pushed for the inquiry.

The committee calls in civil servants – rather than ministers – which means Education Secretary Michael Gove will not be questioned.

But Mr Ward, Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford East, said he was delighted nonetheless, telling the T&A: “Mr Gove can run but he can’t hide.

“The PAC may not be able to haul him over the rack, but this will be an opportunity to put questions to senior civil servants – who are more likely to answer them anyway.”

The PAC will explore the mis-spending of £86,335 of taxpayers’ cash, only revealed after a secret Government report was leaked.

Department for education (Dfe) auditors found that “fabricated invoices” for rent were submitted by the free school, in Lidget Green.

Payments also went towards teachers’ furniture, with more than £600 spent on parties or meals and £169 given to an employee to buy clothes.

The opportunity for the PAC to get involved will come in late January.