The Green Party has adopted a policy at its annual conference this week that recognises many of same issues about faith schools that also concern Accord. While there are differnces between our policies, the underlying issues of segregation, fairness and respect for different beliefs underpin both. What the new policy marks is yet further...
The Guardian has reported that the popular headteacher of St Patrick’s primary school in Sheffield has had to resign because he is a divorcee but wishes to remarry in the autumn. Michael Cassidy is well liked and respected in the school, and parents have started a petition protesting against his departure. One parent told...
Accord has used the opportunity of a government consultation on Religious Education to make clear the need for broad-based and balanced RE in all schools. Although RE must be taught in all schools it is not part of the National Curriculum. The government is about to issue new guidance on how the subject should...
A judgement by the Court of Appeal last week found that the admissions criteria of a Jewish state school, the JFS, were in breach of the Race Relations Act. The admissions procedures of the school prioritised those with a Jewish mother over those who practised Judaism but were not Jewish by descent. Under Jewish...
It has been revealed that the proportion of capital funding provided by religious organisations to voluntary aided faith schools has been falling year on year. By law, the religious bodies that run voluntary aided faith schools are responsible for 10% of the capital costs for new buildings. Only when spending is deemed “exceptional” does...
We are glad to see that the Times Educational Supplement has published a letter from Accord, after last week featuring an editorial that we felt unfairly caricatured those concerned about how faith schools operate. The orignial article is here: http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6015287; our response is below. Dear Sir, I was sorry that your editorial last week...
A letter from members of nine religious traditions calling for an end to religious discrimination in schools has been published in the Times. The plea coincides with the first day of the Equality Bill’s committee stage, which campaigners believe could prove crucial in the struggle to make schools more inclusive. Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain,...
The list of research from independent organisations calling into question the way that faith schools operate is growing ever longer. As can be seen from an extract of a speech made last week by Accord Chair Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, there is now evidence from organisations as diverse as the Runnymede Trust, the Institute of...
Accord has welcomed the acceptance by the government of a report calling for PSHE – including education about sex and relationships – to be made compulsory, while arguing that there should be no opt-out for parents or special arrangements for religious schools. Responding to the report, Accord Chair Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain said: “It...
Accord has welcomed plans by the National Union of Teachers to promote community cohesion by campaigning for an end religious discrimination in school admissions. A proposed conference motion, due to be debated on Saturday, argues that “all groups within society should be treated equally within the education system”. Responding to the news, Chair of...
