Extremism in education What limits apply?

There has been cause for concern about the existence of extremism in our schools and those tasked with advising the various organisations and individuals that might be affected by this topic need to be aware of the legal implications that might arise.


In an afternoon seminar, education law specialist Oliver Hyams covered:

  • The scope for doctrinal teaching in maintained schools - (a) community, (b) voluntary controlled, (c) voluntary aided and (d) foundation schools with a religious character.
  • The scope for dismissing staff whose religion or beliefs are not those of (a) a maintained school, (b) an Academy, or (c) an independent school (in all of these cases) with a religious character.
  • The need (because of recent amendments made to the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2010) for an independent school to promote e.g. equality of opportunity and "fundamental British values", and the conflict of that need with other relevant laws.
  • What legal issues arise from the "Trojan Horse" situation in Birmingham?
  • What legal duties of a higher education provider apply where a visiting speaker is likely to express extreme views and there is likely to be strong opposition expressed to those views?

The seminar took place in London on 7 July 2015.

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