Lobby group fears academies could lower teaching standards

Among the bill’s aims is to give schools greater freedom in the teaching of science, maths and English by removing their requirement to strictly adhere to the National Curriculum.

Case director Imran Khan said: "The National Curriculum is there for good reason, to set standards in teaching. Without it there is a concern that in a minority of schools standards will drop."

He said that employers already struggle to recruit candidates with an appropriate level of understanding in maths and sciences. However, "removing the set of standards is not going to help improve that situation, arguably it will make it worse", he added.

Teaching unions are also concerned about the bill, which will give schools the chance to opt out of local authority control and is due to complete its parliamentary stages today (Monday).

NUT general secretary Christine Blower would like to have seen more parliamentary time given to debating the bill so that it can be "properly scrutinised".

The union is supporting an amendment to the bill, which is being debated today, to ensure parents and staff are properly consulted before an academy order is granted.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "We are clear that the thorough teaching of science is crucial as part of the broad and balanced curriculum that academies are required to offer. We are committed to ensuring young people gain the core scientific knowledge they need for modern life."