Smith school denies Scientology reports

A school funded by actor Will Smith has denied that it will be teaching Scientology lessons.

The New Village Academy in LA, which was founded by Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, insisted it would be a "secular school".

Academy director Jacqueline Olivier said: "Just like all nonreligious independent schools, faculty and staff do not promote their own religions at school or pass on the beliefs of their particular faith to children."

The educational establishment opens in September.

Smith has repeatedly denied that he is enrolled in the Church of Scientology. The actor was linked to the religion because of his friendship with Tom Cruise.

Responding to the rumours earlier this year, he said: "You don't have to be Jewish to be a friend of Steven Spielberg. You don't have to be a Muslim to be a friend of Muhammad Ali.

"And you don't have to be a Scientologist to be a friend of Tom Cruise."