Press Release                                      11 May2018

The JRC notes with interest the announcement by the Government that it will provide funds for local authorities to create a new generation of “voluntary-aided” faith schools. These will be able to be fully selective on grounds of religion – and the funding for their creation will be taken from the pot of money set for the creation of new free schools.

This announcement could be very important to the rapidly growing Charedi population where there is a great shortage of adequate school places. Many children from this community are being educated in buildings that are unfit for purpose and could benefit from an expansion of faith school places.  We would encourage representatives from the Charedi community to explore possibilities with Bury and Salford local authorities to set up new “Voluntary – aided” schools. The JRC stands ready to assist in this process if called upon to do so. End