Schools: Faith Schools and Free Schools

Lord Singh of Wimbledon Excerpts

Wednesday 28th January 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Nash]

All free schools have oversubscription criteria of 50%. All schools must be inclusive and respect the rights and needs of other faiths or people with no faith.

[Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB)]

My Lords, I declare an interest as the director of the network of Sikh organisations responsible for the inspection of Sikh faith schools. The teaching of gender equality and respect for other faiths is obligatory in Sikh faith schools. Does the Minister agree that any school that fails to do that should be treated as a failing school?

[Lord Nash]

I agree entirely with the noble Lord. I have visited a number of Sikh schools and have been extremely impressed with the education that they provide, which is not surprising given the ethics and ethos of community and service in Sikhism.