HC Deb 21 May 2002 vol 386 c278W
Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills where an academy is created involving(a) the Church Schools Company and (b) any other faith-based organisation, whether the school will be allowed to select and dismiss teachers in accordance with sections 58 to 60 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. [58106]

Mr. Timms

Employment law allows any school with a religious character—whether maintained or independent—to take into account in appointing or promoting teaching staff, their ability to promote the religious character of the school. Where an academy has a religious character, we would consider proposals to include provisions in the funding agreement analogous to the provisions of sections 58 to 60 of the School Standards and Framework Act as these apply to aided schools with a religious character. This would include the parts of sections 58–60 which allow governing bodies of maintained schools to dismiss teachers appointed to give religious education in accordance with the character of the school, where they fail to do so efficiently and suitably.