Repeal of 50% Rule in Faith Schools
The proposal to repeal the 50 per cent rule was included in the Conservative’s 2017 election manifesto but did not come to fruition following Prime Minister Theresa May’s loss of party majority.
Changes in Faith Schools Admission Policy
Faith schools in England are considering a change where they may no longer be required to reserve a portion of their places for children who do not share their religious beliefs, as per discussions at Downing Street.
Potential Repeal of the Cap
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government is reportedly looking into repealing the cap that was enforced by former Prime Minister David Cameron’s administration in 2010.
Implications of the Repeal
Individuals involved in developing new policies for faith schools are also part of the committee responsible for shaping the Conservative Party manifesto for the upcoming January 2025 General Elections.
There are indications that removing the cap could become a significant education pledge for the Conservative Party, as reported by The Times newspaper.
Reports suggest that discussions are progressing at No 10 regarding the policy change, with expectations of the cap being lifted before Rishi Sunak calls for a general election.
Understanding the ’50 per cent rule’
The cap, introduced in 2010 by Prime Minister David Cameron’s government, mandated that new free schools and religious academies must allocate half of their spots without any consideration of the applicants’ faith. It was specifically implemented in areas where schools faced high demand to prevent local children from being disadvantaged due to their faith or lack thereof.
Approximately 850,000 children receive education in Catholic schools in England and Wales, making them the largest provider of secondary education and the second-largest provider of primary education in England.
The proposal to repeal the 50 per cent rule was reiterated in the Conservative’s 2017 election manifesto but did not come to fruition after Prime Minister Theresa May’s loss of party majority.