Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said the pilot program begins in September in six cities, including London and Birmingham, The Times of London reported. The others are Bradford, Leeds, Oldham and Rochdale.

"It is not for government to dictate on matters of faith or religious teaching," Blears said. "But Muslim communities themselves have told us that stronger leadership is needed on what are often controversial issues."

Sheik Ibrahim Mogra of the Muslim Council of Britain said Muslim leaders decided their children needed a better structure in school.

"We feel our children need to be taught that they can be proud Muslims and proud young British people," he said.