Minister signals more academies

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Lord Adonis, a leading advocate of the privately-backed semi-independent state schools, said there was "strong pressure" to carry on with the programme.

He also encouraged "pushy parents" to seek the best schools for their children in the hope that would raise overall standards.

"I want every parent to be a pushy parent. It is a jolly good thing," he told the Sunday Times.

Lord Adonis said demand for academies was so high it would be possible to continue opening 100 a year after 2011, when the current 400 target is expected to be met.

He said: "We will have no difficulty moving beyond 400.

"We will make a political decision in due course on where we go beyond 400.

"On the basis of the results and the demand, the only issue is how far.

"We have 100 opening in 2010. There will be very strong pressure from parents and local authorities to maintain that rate."

Academies were a key part of Tony Blair's efforts to reform the education system to increase choice for parents and pupils.