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British pupils could be taught politically correct versions of classic fairytales under a controversial EU education programme.

The lesson plans are part of the Erasmus+ student exchange scheme, which is due to cost the UK £570million in its first year.

Labour is taking Britain into the scheme, which includes revisions to traditional stories that remove 'any gender assumptions, ageism, racism or disablism'.

In one, called 'Over the rainbow', Little Red Riding Hood is given a new spin, and now states: 'Many people believed that the forest was a threatening and dangerous place and never set foot in it. Red Riding Hood, however, was confident enough in her own growing sexuality and such obvious Freudian imagery did not intimidate her.'

Children may also be taught how to organise 'school walkouts and online campaigns' to 'spearhead youth-led climate activism'.

The Department for Education directs teachers and youth providers to the lesson plans, although it insists this not an endorsement.

Ministers claim it will give young people travel opportunities in the EU. But the fine print includes the 'project ideas' for 13-year-olds.

One Government-approved provider said the programme, due in 2027, includes a 'strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity' – something that may not sit well with stories that date back centuries.

British pupils could be taught politically correct versions of classic fairytales, such as Red Riding Hood, under a controversial EU education programme

Andrew Gilligan, a research fellow at the Policy Exchange think-tank, said: 'This is so stupid it's actually funny. But the intent is clearly deadly serious – to turn schools into factories producing a generation of activists.'

Tory MP Mike Wood said: 'It is unbelievable kids are being brainwashed as part of what the EU claims is a travel scheme. Erasmus is nothing more than a Trojan horse to peddle a political agenda.'

Labour ministers claim the deal is 'fair and balanced', but it costs twice as much as a version Boris Johnson rejected as too dear in 2021, and twice as many EU students will benefit as UK students.

The first year costs £570million – a discount of 30 per cent. But ministers must renegotiate costs within a year, with funding rising by a further 50 per cent from 2028.

To make way for it, Labour will axe the successful Turing scheme for disadvantaged students to study worldwide – and at less cost, because Britain doesn't have to fund visiting foreign students.

The Department for Education said it 'will enable over 100,000 young people from all backgrounds to access life-changing opportunities to... study abroad'.