By JAMES CHAPMAN - MAILONLINE
Added: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 UTC

Thanks to Ian for the link.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1246016/Why-David-Cameron-wants-boom-faith-schools.html


The biggest expansion of faith schools since the 19th century would be encouraged by a Tory government, David Cameron signalled yesterday.

Senior figures in the Roman Catholic Church have already expressed a strong interest in running the 'free schools' proposed by the Conservatives.

Under the plans, faith groups, charities and businesses could apply to operate the new schools using taxpayers' money.

The Tory leader cited his six-year-old daughter Nancy's 'excellent' education at a Church of England school as he declared himself a supporter of faith schools 'politically and personally'.

Labour has been accused of undermining faith schools by overhauling admissions rules and robbing them of the power to select children on religious grounds.

There are about 7,000 state-run faith schools in England and several hundred more in the private sector, the vast majority of which are Christian.

Education watchdogs say there is evidence that as many as a fifth of private faith schools fail to teach about other religions.

But Mr Cameron said yesterday: 'I support faith schools, I think they have a lot to bring to education.'
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1246016/Why-David-Cameron-wants-boom-faith-schools.html

TAGGED: EDUCATION, POLITICS, RELIGION