Ofsted finds nine out of 22 faith schools 'inadequate' in latest report
Of the 22 schools, seven were Christian and 15 were Islamic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ofsted have found nine out of 22 faith schools "inadequate" and note four failed to demonstrate "they promoted British values" in the latest report.
The study, which examined seven Christian schools and 15 Islamic ones, found 11 did not meet independent school standards in “four or more areas”, including four that failed to show they promoted “fundamental British values”.
Just over 1,000 British pupils are being educated at schools deemed “inadequate”, the report noted, with around 700 hundred attending institutions that failed to “adequately” prepare them for modern life.
At Al-Ameen Primary school, inspectors found pupils had “little understanding” of British institutions or democratic processes. The same school also failed to protect pupils from reading “inappropriate” books showing “extremist, sexist or partisan views”.
“For example, the library contained a book asserting that women are less reliable than men as witnesses,” the report noted. It continued the head teacher – when made aware – agreed with the inspectors some books were inappropriate.
In three schools - Al-Ameen, Cornerstone School and Leicester Islamic Academy - inspectors found pupils had “insufficient opportunities” to study other religions and faiths.
The report was the first to be carried out by Ofsted after the educational body took responsibility from the Bridge school Inspectorate (BSI) for the previous academic year.
Among the 22 only one was deemed “outstanding” – Manchester Islamic High School for Girls – with four described as good – Al-Khair School, Bethany School, Manchester Muslim Preparatory School and Palm Tree School.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments