Press Release

British Humanist Association comments on faith schools' admissions systems

Andrew Copson, Director of Education and Public Affairs for the British Humanist Association said:  "We are glad to see that the government now accepts that faith schools are guilty of widespread covert selection, and appeal to the government to take away the control over admissions that they have so wilfully abused.

"The admissions policies of faith schools have real victims. By charging for places and disadvantaging children in care, these schools have failed to help those who most need a good school.

"Far from being the fault of "a few bad apples", the vast majority of voluntary aided faith schools are ignoring the admissions code in the areas examined by the DCSF. We welcome the investigation being undertaken by the Schools Adjudicator, but it seems clear that this alone will not be enough.

"Since faith schools appear willing to break the law in order to protect their privileged intake, the government has little choice left but to take from them the power to act as their own admissions authorities."