‘British values’ in schools

New standards requiring schools in England to “actively promote” British values were first introduced by the Government in September 2014.

Pressure from The Christian Institute, MPs and others forced the Government to issue new guidance to all schools setting out that it is respect for people – rather than their beliefs – that schools need to promote.

Unfortunately, Ofsted has failed to follow the guidance in many cases.

This led to national headlines with religious schools around the country reporting intrusive and inappropriate questioning of pupils as young as six.

The then Ofsted chief, Sir Michael Wilshaw, told the House of Commons Education Select Committee that he had “thoroughly” investigated the accusations. But a freedom of information request by The Christian Institute revealed that not one of the parents, pupils or staff who complained were interviewed either before or after Sir Michael’s remarks.

Ofsted has said they are revising their guidance but it is not yet known when the new version will be made public.