PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
22nd May 2007
Response to enquiry re: Comprehensive Future report on London schools with a religious character
The reported figure of 90% Christian pupils in London’s Catholic secondary schools is not a surprise nor does it indicate covert selection. It is well known that the demand from Catholics for places in London’s Catholic schools far outstrips the number of places available. Therefore, however much our schools want to be open to those of other faiths or none, this is not currently possible without additional places. This is because we remain committed to firstly meeting the needs and rights of Catholics to education in a Catholic school, remaining in full compliance with the Code on School Admissions. Therefore, whilst we have not yet received the report from Comprehensive Future (nor therefore have we been able to read it), we refute any suggestion of back door selection for Catholic schools. Our admissions are well-publicised and transparent, and our school communities contribute to community cohesion. They represent the full spectrum of ability and social diversity and are ethnically very diverse – more so than other schools, a fact noted by the Commission for Racial Equality (see http://www.cesew.org.uk/standardnews.asp?id=379).
Oona Stannard
Chief Executive and Director
ENDS
For more information please contact Laura McCann, Policy and Briefing Officer t: 0207 901 4854 e: lmccann@cesew.org.uk w. www.cesew.org.uk.
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