§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he is satisfied that there are sufficient powers under existing legislation to ensure that head teachers and staff of independent schools are of exemplary character;
(2) what definition he accepts of the word 'proper' when exercising his functions under the provisions relating to independent schools in the Education Act 1944 and when considering the suitability of head teachers of such schools.
§ Mr. DunnPart III of the Education Act 1944 does not require that head teachers and staff of independent schools should be of "exemplary character". It permits and requires my right hon. Friend to take action only if he is satisfied that any teacher
if not a proper person … to be a teacher in any school".This formulation achieves the right balance between preserving the independence of the schools and safeguarding the interests of their clients. In considering 137W whether someone is not a proper person to be a teacher in any school, any disqualification from service in maintained schools would be taken into account. However, as the Act requires careful consideration of the circumstances of each case, it would be inappropriate to attempt a standard definition.