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Simon Rocker

BySimon Rocker, Simon Rocker

Analysis

Policies prompt a mixed outlook

April 23, 2015 11:23
1 min read

"Inclusive" may seem a welcoming word - but not to Jewish schools. When the Liberal Democrats pledge to introduce "inclusive" admissions policies, they mean that faith schools will no longer be able to give priority to children from their own community.

If the Lib Dems return to coalition with the Conservatives, the policy, just as last time, will go into the freezer. But if they get into bed with Labour, then this shift on faith schools could become a political runner.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, have promised to open 500 new free schools - good news for Jewish groups that have taken advantage of the new system to open state-funded schools without going through the local authority. Seven Jewish free schools have been approved in five years. But some in the Jewish community want the government to go further: the National Association of Orthodox Jewish Schools has called for an end to the rule whereby free faith schools can guarantee only half of their places to members of their own religion.

Labour, however, has said it will stop any more free schools, although it has not ruled out further faith schools under the old council umbrella.