A NEW school teaching a controversial Christian fundamentalist curriculum could be opening its doors in Ulverston as early as next September.

The school, which would be the only one of its kind in Cumbria, will teach the Accelerated Christian Education programme to pupils aged between five and 19.

Elisabeth Greaves, a supply teacher who is behind the plans, said that the "place of education" was needed in the town to help "build children's characters".

Mrs Greaves, who lives on Croftlands, said that there were at least 20 children following the ACE programme in Ulverston including her two daughters, who were studying at home.

The system was created in the United States by Christian fundamentalists in the 1970s, where it is widely used.

ACE's popularity has also grown in the UK and there are schools in the Blackpool, Preston and Manchester areas in the North West.

But the programme has also attracted criticism from education experts who say it takes a too narrow view of other cultures.

For full story see the November 2 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.