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Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, today asked Ofsted to carry out a survey of independent faith schools to examine how they are meeting the Independent Schools Standards relating to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils.

The purpose of the survey is to ensure that the current regulations for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils are fit for purpose in preparing children and young people for life in modern Britain.

Independent schools are required to meet The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003, which state:

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils
The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school meets the standard if the school promotes principles which -

(a) enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;

(b) enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the law;

(c) encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute to community life;

(d) provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of public institutions and services in England; and

(e) assist pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures in a way that promotes tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions.

Ofsted will survey a sample of schools from across different faiths to look at current practice and identify areas of good practice as well as areas for improvement.

Ed Balls said:

“Some concerns have been raised recently about practice in a small minority of independent faith schools and whether they are effectively preparing pupils for life in wider British society. We very much value the contribution faith schools make to education, both in the maintained and independent sectors and welcome the choice they provide for parents. While I am confident the vast majority of independent faith schools are exemplary in meeting the standards required of them, it is important we work with the sector to achieve consistently high standards.

“I have asked Ofsted to carry out a survey of current practice in meeting the relevant independent school standards as part of their Summer term survey programme. This will identify good practice and areas for improvement to contribute to a more informed debate about the effectiveness of the regulatory framework.”

The following brief has been given to Ofsted:

‘Implementing the independent school standards relating to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and students in schools of religious character.’

The Secretary of State has asked Ofsted for a survey of current practice within independent schools of a religious character in relation to the school standards for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and students.

The purpose of the survey will be to determine whether the current regulations are fit for purpose in preparing children and young people for life in modern Britain.

The review will include consideration of the ethos and values of the school and the influences pupils are subject to:

through the curriculum,

extended school activities,

through links with external organisations.

The small survey will consider evidence from a sample of schools, drawn from all parts of the independent sector that have sought religious designation from Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Ed Balls has written to faith leaders and the Independent Schools Council:

Dear --

I am writing to let you know that I have asked Ofsted to carry out a survey of current practice in relation to the independent school standards on the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils across a sample of faith schools as part of their Summer term survey programme. The brief to which Ofsted will be working is attached.

The vision we set out in the Children’s Plan is that children should have the best start in life and have the opportunity to understand others, have real and positive relationships with people from different backgrounds, and feel part of a community, at a local, national and international level.

I know you are equally committed to giving pupils an education that prepares them effectively for adult life, and I am confident that the vast majority of faith schools are delivering an excellent education in this regard. However, from past inspection reports we are aware that there is inconsistency across the sector and concerns have been raised in relation to a minority of schools. I have asked Ofsted to survey a sample of schools from across different faiths to identify areas of good practice as well as areas for improvement. This will contribute to a more informed consideration of the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework.

We very much value the contribution faith schools make to education and the choice they provide for parents. We are very keen to work with you and other colleagues in the independent school sector to ensure consistently high standards and that we have an effective regulatory framework that gives all young people get the best start in life.

The number of schools visited will be relatively small so I can assure you that this survey will not place undue burden on your schools. I would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to discussing the findings of the survey with you.