§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many institutions in the United Kingdom provide training for those wishing to qualify as imams; how many places each offered in 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [136103]
§ Alan JohnsonThe latest figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show that 12 universities currently offer courses in Islamic studies, although completion of these courses would not necessarily entitle the successful student to qualify as an Imam. The number of places on each course is not held centrally.
The Home Office and Learning and Skills Council have recently invited representatives of the Islamic community to join a new working group to advise on training and qualifications for Imams, including pilot programmes to test different models. The group's interim advice (due in spring 2004) will inform the development of generic competence-based qualifications for community leadership which may be supported by the Learning and Skills Council.