Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether a community cohesion impact assessment was made before approving the opening of new independent schools in Oldham.

The only basis for the registration of a new independent school is whether, upon registration, it is likely to meet the independent school standards. If the Secretary of State is satisfied that it will do so, then the school must be registered. However, the standards do include a requirement that the school ensures that pupils understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated, and to society more widely. There are also other relevant standards such as those relevant to tolerance for people of other faiths and beliefs.