Gender-bias schools to face action under British values plan

The government has introduced a new scheme which will penalise schools if they appear to discriminate against children based on gender and fail to prove that they are actively promoting British values.

Under the new plans the Department of Education (DfE) has said: “Schools are expected to confront intolerant or extremist views among staff, parents and students.”

This stance has been taken in response to the “Trojan horse” incident, where Muslim extremists plotted to take over several Birmingham schools.

The regulations will come into effect in September and schools will have to actively promote British values such as democracy, tolerance, mutual respect and the role of the individual and the law. Also, any teaching of extremism or intolerance of any kind would be banned from the curriculum.

Under the new policy if a school is found not to be endorsing these principles the education secretary Michael Gove will be permitted to take action. This action could involve taking charge of a school, imposing restrictions if there are serious concerns or even closing it down.

The DfE has confirmed the new policy will apply to all independent schools, free schools and academies and a similar plan is expected to be brought in by Ofsted for local authority-run state schools later this year.  

Joanna Byrne