School cleared of teaching that all life was created by acts of God

A school accused of promoting creationism has been cleared by the local council.

Llanidloes High School faced claims it taught pupils that life and the universe was created by God, to the exclusion of other religions and non-religious beliefs.

But an investigation by Powys council and the school's governing body found it was "operating fully" within the law and Welsh government guidance, which states that teaching of religious views is legally required to be unbiased and impartial.

Head teacher Daniel Owen said the school "offers a broad and balanced curriculum".

In 2024, there were calls for an investigation after the National Secular Society (NSS) said it had obtained images of wall displays at the school showing marine life and the solar system beneath lines from the Bible such as "great are the works of the Lord" and "God created the creatures of the sea".

The NSS said it was told the displays covered entire walls, and were allegedly paid for from school funds.

However, Powys council said a "thorough examination" found no evidence to support the concerns.

It found creationism had not been taught in science lessons and there was "no evidence of evangelisation or inappropriate promotion of Christianity".

It also found the school's collective worship arrangements and delivery of the Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE) curriculum complied with Welsh government requirements.

It added while the review highlighted some areas of practice for further review by the school, no further action by the council was necessary.

While teaching creationism as a scientific theory is banned in England, the promotion of creationism is not prohibited in schools in Wales.

The NSS claims promotion of creationism at the school is being led by head teacher Daniel Owen, who is also an elder or spiritual leader at an evangelical church in Newtown, about 14 miles (23km) from Llanidloes.

Richard Jones, director of education at the council, and Clare Bound, chair of the Llanidloes Schools' Federation, welcomed the findings.

"Our focus now is on the future, working together to ensure the best possible outcomes for learners."

Owen added: "We will continue to educate children about Wales' rich Christian and cultural heritage alongside a wide range of beliefs and values, as part of our commitment to inclusivity and respect."

Following the decision, NSS chief executive Stephen Evans said the findings raised "serious questions" about current guidance.

"It appears that very little protection exists for the inclusive and pluralistic ethos of nonreligious schools, opening the door to evangelism and creationism."

The Welsh government said the curriculum was clear on teaching the scientific origins of the universe.

"Schools are required to teach evolution from an early age to help lay the foundations for a better understanding of wider scientific concepts and the formation of the universe," said a spokesperson.

"As far as religious views are concerned in Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE), teaching is legally required to be unbiased and impartial.

"Community schools are not permitted to have a religious leaning."