Written question asked by Lord Warner (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2014, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 December 2014. It was answered by Lord Nash (Conservative) on Monday, 1 December 2014 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Curriculum

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether independent schools teaching creationism or similar views of science are downgraded in their Ofsted inspections as a result.

Answer

Independent schools are not downgraded in their Ofsted inspections purely as a result of teaching creationism. However, their curriculum and teaching must meet the independent school standards as a condition of registration. The independent school standards require schools to provide a curriculum which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. Subject matter must also be appropriate for the ages and aptitudes of pupils. Beyond this, independent schools have the freedom to choose what they include in the curriculum. Teaching creationism does not, of itself, conflict with the standards.

Independent schools are also required to meet standards in relation to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils. These standards were revised in September this year. They now require schools to actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL3032
Session: 2014-15
Related items: Private Education
Wednesday, 17 December 2014
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Curriculum Inspections Private education Science Creationism
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Curriculum

Secondary information

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