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All faith schools 'face shake-up' New faith schools 'face shake-up'
(about 4 hours later)
All new religious schools could have to offer at least 25% of their places to "non-believing" children, a leaked cabinet letter has suggested. All new religious schools could have to offer at least 25% of their classroom places to "non-believing" children, the BBC has learned.
Education Secretary Alan Johnson believes the move could reduce religious and racial tension.Education Secretary Alan Johnson believes the move could reduce religious and racial tension.
The document says that where there is "strong local opposition" to the plans, councils would need government consent before implementing the quota. His plans stipulate that where there is "strong local opposition" to the policy, councils would need government consent before implementing the quota.
However, the government said it did not comment on leaked documents. It is believed that less than 100 schools a year will be affected.
The leaked letter by Mr Johnson, published in the Sunday Times, outlines plans to table amendments to the Government's Education and Inspection Bill, which is going through Parliament. The Education and Inspection Bill returns to the House of Lords on Tuesday and ministers will put forward amendments then.
DebateDebate
Critics of faith schools have suggested that they promote more segregated communities.Critics of faith schools have suggested that they promote more segregated communities.
The Church of England has said it will set aside a quarter of places at its new schools for people outside the faith.The Church of England has said it will set aside a quarter of places at its new schools for people outside the faith.
Under the powers, local authorities would have to ensure new faith schools admit at least 25% of 'non-believers' where they deem it reasonable.Under the powers, local authorities would have to ensure new faith schools admit at least 25% of 'non-believers' where they deem it reasonable.
In his letter, Mr Johnson said: "Faith schools have been the subject of a great deal of debate in the Lords so far, and concern about their impact unites peers from across the House." Where local authorities choose not to invoke these powers, there will be a facility to challenge such decisions by appealing to the secretary of state, a source told the BBC.
In a leaked letter, Mr Johnson said: "Faith schools have been the subject of a great deal of debate in the Lords so far, and concern about their impact unites peers from across the House."
In June, former Education Secretary Lord Baker said that faith schools should admit at least one-third of pupils from other faiths as a condition of receiving state funding.In June, former Education Secretary Lord Baker said that faith schools should admit at least one-third of pupils from other faiths as a condition of receiving state funding.
However, the proposed measure is expected to be supported by the Conservative Party.