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Education and Inspections Bill

Before the Minister leaves the subject of head teachers, he needs to be aware of exactly what he is proposing by making head teachers reserved teachers. This is a complex issue and currently those who are not reserved teachers have protection under sections 59(2) to (4) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. However, section 60(3) says:"““Sections 59 (2) to (4)””—" those dealing with protection against religious discrimination—"““shall not so apply in relation to a reserved teacher at the school””." Instead, section 60(5) will apply, as it does to VA schools. It states that"““preference may be given…to persons…whose religious opinions are in accordance with the tenets…who attend religious worship in accordance with those tenets””," or who are willing and capable of giving religious education, as we have heard. It also states that their conduct in their private lives may be brought into play. So this provision brings head teachers, as reserved teachers, within the full gamut of section 60(5), which is highly discriminatory.