Humanists UK comment: Education Secretary reportedly dropping cap on faith schools admissions

The Sunday Times reports this morning that Education Secretary Damian Hinds has confirmed that he will go ahead with proposals to drop the 50% cap on faith-based admissions at religious free schools.

If true, the decision means that all new and existing religious free schools can seek to admit children from only one religion, leading to entirely segregated intakes. Humanists UK, which leads the national campaign against religious discrimination and segregation in schools, has stated that such a decision would ignore the evidence that the cap has boosted integration in faith schools and instead show that the Government has bowed to the demands of the religious lobby instead of sticking up for the interests of children. 

Reacting to the reports, Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented:

‘The 50 percent cap on faith school admissions has worked successfully to reduce social, ethnic, and religious segregation within state schools.

‘If today's reports are accurate, we will be fighting even harder to promote the open, inclusive, and fair education system that parents and young people deserve, and we will be encouraging local families all around the country to do the same. Wherever a school seeks to segregate its community rather than serve it, it must be opposed.'

Humanists UK will be writing to the Education Secretary Damian Hinds immediately to seek clarification on his remarks.

Notes

For further comment or information please contact Humanists UK Education Campaigner Jay Harman on jay@humanism.org.uk or 07970393680.

Read The Sunday Times article: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/education-secretary-damian-hinds-i-will-make-arts-degrees-cheaper-3fxmng2hz

Read Humanists UK's briefings on the 50% cap:

Religious lobbying on the 50% cap – https://humanism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016-11-17-BHA-briefing-Religious-lobbying-on-50-per-cent-cap.pdf
50% cap on religious selection in free schools – https://humanism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Briefing-on-50-religious-selection-cap.pdf

At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.