Williams to defend ‘discriminatory’ school policies
-14/03/06
The Archbishop of Cante
Williams to defend ‘discriminatory’ school policies
-14/03/06
The Archbishop of Canterbury is expected to defend today the admissions policies of many church schools, which favour children of those who attend churches connected with the schools – despite mounting criticism from both inside and outside churches.
However he is expected to argue that school admissions criteria should be simplified.
It comes at a time when there is mounting criticism over both the employment practices of church schools and the way that they select their pupils.
Significant numbers of parents without a Christian faith will attend churches in order to get their children admitted to successful church schools, leading to suggestions that such policies encourage hypocrisy.
Others have published research which suggests church schools are less likely to admit poorer children.
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In a landmark ruling last week church schools were told they may not to reserve key posts for teachers from their own denomination.
A recent opinion poll suggested that the general public were increasingly concerned about the growth of faith-based schools.
The practice of advertising only for staff who have a Christian faith and favouring children of Christian families is often justified by the Church of England and others on the basis that it helps to maintain the Christian ethos of the school.
However critics of the practices from within the churches point out that such policies undermine the very Christian values of justice and equality that the Church should be trying to protect.
Many suggest instead that admissions criteria should give more priority to children from lower socio-economic groups and who are in vulnerable situations.
But Rowan Williams is not expected to signal his support for any major changes which would make church schools appear less discriminatory. He reportedly wants schools to adopt a consistent and simplified policy which may involve asking parents for proof that their child has been baptised, or that they regularly attend church services. Some schools already follow such a policy.
Canon John Hall, the Church of England’s chief education officer, said: “The intention is not to reduce the number of places for Christian children but to clarify and simplify admissions.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s comments will come at the National Church Schools Conference in London.
Williams to defend ‘discriminatory’ school policies
-14/03/06
The Archbishop of Canterbury is expected to defend today the admissions policies of many church schools, which favour children of those who attend churches connected with the schools – despite mounting criticism from both inside and outside churches.
However he is expected to argue that school admissions criteria should be simplified.
It comes at a time when there is mounting criticism over both the employment practices of church schools and the way that they select their pupils.
Significant numbers of parents without a Christian faith will attend churches in order to get their children admitted to successful church schools, leading to suggestions that such policies encourage hypocrisy.
Others have published research which suggests church schools are less likely to admit poorer children.
Related Articles
In a landmark ruling last week church schools were told they may not to reserve key posts for teachers from their own denomination.
A recent opinion poll suggested that the general public were increasingly concerned about the growth of faith-based schools.
The practice of advertising only for staff who have a Christian faith and favouring children of Christian families is often justified by the Church of England and others on the basis that it helps to maintain the Christian ethos of the school.
However critics of the practices from within the churches point out that such policies undermine the very Christian values of justice and equality that the Church should be trying to protect.
Many suggest instead that admissions criteria should give more priority to children from lower socio-economic groups and who are in vulnerable situations.
But Rowan Williams is not expected to signal his support for any major changes which would make church schools appear less discriminatory. He reportedly wants schools to adopt a consistent and simplified policy which may involve asking parents for proof that their child has been baptised, or that they regularly attend church services. Some schools already follow such a policy.
Canon John Hall, the Church of England’s chief education officer, said: “The intention is not to reduce the number of places for Christian children but to clarify and simplify admissions.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s comments will come at the National Church Schools Conference in London.