Written question asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch (UK Independence Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hill of Oareford (Conservative) on Monday, 30 January 2012.

Schools: EU History

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take to ensure that teaching about the European Union in United Kingdom schools is balanced.

Answer: The Government expect all teaching about political issues to be balanced and there are legal safeguards to ensure this. Sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996 require school governing bodies, head teachers and local authorities to forbid the promotion of partisan political views and to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that, where political or controversial issues are brought to pupils’ attention, they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views. Within these safeguards, teachers are free to use the resources they consider most appropriate to design and deliver a curriculum that suits their pupils’ needs.

Secondary information