It would be cross-cultural and would welcome people of all backgrounds, regardless of their faith

Salvation Army spokeswoman

A spokeswoman said that, following the publication earlier this month of the government's proposals for the future of education, the SA would "evaluate the opportunities arising from the recent White Paper".

"If it were to happen here, it would the first time that the Salvation Army has run schools in the UK," the spokeswoman said.

"The stage we are at is we are evaluating opportunities created by the White Paper but it's at a very early stage - we haven't made any firm commitments."

Faith schools are predominantly run by the Church of England and the Catholic Church, while there is a small number of Islamic state schools in England.

In its White Paper the government said: "We wish to welcome faith schools, with their distinctive ethos and character, into the maintained sector where there is clear local agreement."

Inclusive

Any school run by the organisation would be inclusive, she stressed.

Salvation Army workers help mentor young people

"It would be cross-cultural and would welcome people of all backgrounds, regardless of their faith.

"It would certainly not be a Salvation Army school just for children of Salvation Army workers," she said.

It would also be an extension of the work the organisation already did in schools, including mentoring youngsters from deprived backgrounds, she added.

History of service

The Salvation Army was founded in 1865, in the East End of London, by Methodist minister William Booth.

Mr Booth wanted to offer practical help to the poor and destitute, as well as preaching the Gospel to them.

The organisation was originally called the Christian Mission, but changed its name to the Salvation Army in 1878.

Internationally, the Salvation Army operates in 107 countries and its charitable work is well recognised.

Its work includes offering care to the elderly, offenders, drug addicts, blind and handicapped people, providing shelter for the homeless and operating about 2,000 food distribution centres.