BHA: Religious groups at front of queue to run ‘free schools’ as issue of religious selection comes to fore

The BHA has renewed its call for statutory safeguards against religious discrimination and extremism in ‘free schools’ following reports that religious groups could dominate the first wave of schools opening in September 2011.

According to a report in the Financial Times, the Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove had planned to restrict the number of religious groups taking part in the ‘free schools’ programme, for fear that ‘free schools would be synonymous with faith schools’. However, according to civil servants, the number of proposals from non-religious groups is below that predicted by Mr Gove and he is now considering lifting these restrictions in order to bolster the numbers taking part.

The revelation comes as religious groups continue to exert pressure on Mr Gove to overturn the ’50 per cent rule’ which would mean that religious ‘free schools’ could only select half of their pupils on the basis of parents’ perceived beliefs. The Board of Deputies of British Jews began a lobbying campaign last month to have the 50 per cent rule changed. Jon Benjamin, chief executive of the Board, said the rule would mean Jewish ‘free schools’ would have to provide ‘200 school places to find room for 100 Jewish kids’.

BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:

‘The BHA has continually pointed out that the ‘free schools’ programme would be particularly attractive to religious groups. It will give them complete power over the curriculum while unburdening them from the need to raise their own funds. It is no surprise that they dominate the list of proposals received so far – very few parents have the time, resources or local influence to set up a new school, but religious groups often have all of these.’

‘Mr Gove clearly recognises that there is widespread public opposition to a wave of unregulated new ‘faith’ schools. Through the BHA’s own polling we know that the majority of the public are concerned that the ‘free schools’ programme will lead to public money being spent on promoting religious beliefs. We would urge him to respond to this concern by introducing robust safeguards, such as legislative change and statutory guidance, to prevent religious discrimination and extremism in state-funded schools.’

Commenting on the 50 per cent rule, Mr Copson said:

‘While the 50 per cent rule for ‘free schools’ doesn’t go nearly far enough, it is at least an indication that Mr Gove believes religious discrimination should be curbed. By contrast, the recent lobbying campaign by religious groups demonstrates that many will always support segregation over inclusion. Mr Gove should cease trying to appease the religious lobby and instead use his powers to introduce open and inclusive admissions policies for all schools.’

NOTES

The Financial Times article is online at www.ft.com

For further comment or information, contact Andrew Copson on 07534 248 596 or 020 7079 3583 or andrew@humanism.org.uk.

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the growing population of ethically concerned, non-religious. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for a secular state and an end to discrimination based on religion or belief.