Steinberg - School (Policy on Faith Schools)

Wed, 07 May 08 | House of Lords - Written Answer

Summary
The following question was answered on 07 May 2008.

Contents
Lord Steinberg asked Her Majesty's Government:

- What is their position on faith schools. [HL3127]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Children, Schools and Families (Lord Adonis): Faith schools have historically been and continue to be an integral part of the school system in England, constituting around one-third of the 20,501 maintained schools in England. They play a very valuable role and have much to contribute to our common aim of building a more just and cohesive society and improving the life chances of all children, particularly the most disadvantaged.

We set out our position in the document Faith in the System in September last year. This is now being taken forward by the faith groups.

We are committed to supporting the establishment of new schools by a range of providers-including faith organisations-where local consultation has shown that this is what parents and the local community want, where the school is willing and able to comply with the requirements on all maintained schools, and where this greater diversity will help to raise standards. This is subject to parental demand and proper local consultation and decision-making.