BHA criticises Ofsted’s tolerance of gender segregation within ‘faith’ schools

12 June, 2014

The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today criticised Ofsted over the contents of its briefing for inspectors on inspecting ‘faith’ schools after the Times brought to light the fact that it endorses gender segregation in lessons, as well as restrictions on the teaching of art and music. The comments contrast with the criticisms made in recent days by Ofsted and the Education Funding Agency of the practices of some of the schools in Birmingham inspected and of the Al-Madinah School in Derby last year. The BHA has called for Ofsted to review the briefing.

The briefing, published only two months ago, says of Muslim schools that ‘Boys and girls may well be taught or seated separately according to the specific context, particularly during collective acts of worship. This should not be taken as a sign of inequality between different genders.’ Similar suggestions of segregation within Jewish schools are made with the Ofsted report listing examples of schools in which gender segregation is rigorously enforced, and inspectors are advised to dress modestly at both groups of schools. With respect to Muslim schools, the advice also says that ‘Art and music can be restricted but they are still required to teach these subjects as part of the National Curriculum.’

These comments appear to contradict the stance of the Department for Education. Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove said with respect to the Al-Madinah School that ‘it is absolutely wrong to have any form of segregation.’ In addition, the Department for Education (DfE) told the Times that ‘We are clear that segregation in the classroom is wrong. The Equalities Act applies to all types of school and it is unlawful for schools to discriminate against a pupil by treating them less favourably because of their sex.’

Pavan Dhaliwal, Head of Public Affairs at the BHA, commented: ‘The notion that “faith” schools are allowed to follow discriminatory practices on the basis of gender and can restrict the curriculum is deeply concerning. Ofsted urgently needs to review this guidance to remove these prejudiced suggestions. It is vital that all schools, including “faith” schools, provide a broad and balanced education for all their students, free from any segregation, as young people have a right to know and understand the full range of topics that make up the fabric of society, and to be taught them in an environment where everyone is treated equally.’

Notes

For further comment or information, please contact Richy Thompson on 020 7324 3072.

Read Ofsted’s briefing: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/briefings-and-information-for-use-during-inspections-of-maintained-schools-and-academies

Read today’s article in the Times: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/education/article4116611.ece

Read more about the BHA’s work on ‘faith’ schools: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/schools-and-education/faith-schools/

The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.