House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Political Impartiality in Schools
21 February 2022 · Department for Education
Proposed by Nadhim Zahawi Con Stratford-on-Avon
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Department for Education published non-statutory guidance on political impartiality in schools as required by law.
- The guidance aims to assist teachers in discussing political issues confidently while maintaining impartiality.
- The guidance supports schools and parents in resolving issues related to political impartiality through dialogue.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the publication of non-statutory guidance on political impartiality in schools as required by existing laws and regulations.
Action requested
The Department for Education has published guidance to help schools meet their legal duties regarding political impartiality, addressing recent concerns and ensuring teachers can confidently cover a range of political issues. This guidance aims to support both schools and parents in understanding these requirements and resolving any issues through dialogue.
Key facts
- Non-statutory guidance on political impartiality was published last week by the Department for Education.
- The guidance covers sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996, Part 2 of the Schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, and many academies’ funding agreements.
- The guidance is designed to provide assurance to most schools while helping others establish necessary processes for compliance.