A school funded by Will Smith will not be teaching Scientology as part of their curriculum an academy official has stated.

The Independence Day star is a close friend of outspoken Scientologist Tom Cruise and was recently forced to deny rumours he too has enrolled in the Church of Scientology.

And Smith, who has founded the New Village Academy in Los Angeles along with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, was also rumoured to have instructed teachers at his new school to preach the controversial faith to pupils.

But academy director Jacqueline Olivier has denied the allegations - insisting the school will not focus on any religion in particular.

She says: "We are a secular school, and 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 school is due to open in September.