Single faith schools promote greater understanding of other cultures, offer children more opportunities and deliver better academic performance, according to delegates.
Speaking at a session on faith schools, Bill Taylor, leader of Blackburn and Darwen Council, told delegates he supported faith schools because they raised academic standards, improved discipline of pupils and offered better life opportunities.
Muhammad Abdul Bari, deputy secretary general of the Muslim Council, added that faith schools provided a sense of identity. "People from ethnic minorities care about having children educated where they are surrounded by their own culture but in a way that is not isolated from society."
President of the LGA, Lord Ouseley, said faith schools could promote understanding of other cultures. "Faith schools must deliver academically and provide knowledge and understanding of national diversity. The vast majority of children are being denied that, and most of those children are white."
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Details of government consultations
02 October 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
