Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has denied claims that those running a new initiative of free schools will be able to do so for profit.

Nick Clegg's comment's come after the initiative's architect, Michael Gove, appeared to indicate that the schools could become involved with profit generating bodies eventually, saying: "I'm a pragmatist not an ideologue"

"I don't have any particular opposition to involving any organisation that is going to improve our education, however, we don't need to have profit-making organisations involved at the moment, because we have organisations which are philanthiropic"

However, during a speech in London on Monday, aimed at reassuring Liberal Democrat sceptics, Mr Clegg said he was confident the schools would give "fairer chances" to children from the most deprived backgrounds.

Mr Clegg admitted the schools were seen as "controversial" and came with "risks", but said: "To anyone worried that, by expanding the mix of providers in our education system, we are inching towards inserting the profit motive into our school system, again, let me reassure you."

Some 24 state-funded 'independent' schools are opening this term as part of a Government initiative to allow schools set up by "teachers, charities, education experts and parents" to open.

A total of 17 of the schools are primary, five are secondary schools and two are all-age schools. The schools are spread throughout the country, but are primarily concentrated in areas of deprivation, according to the Department of Education.

(DW/BMcC)