Voice of the Jewish News: School decision has serious implications

So faith-based schools are a threat to British society. That appears to be the message from the secretary of state after both applications to open a new Jewish free school in north London were rejected, because time for faith education would be “disproportionate” compared to other subjects.

The implications of last week’s decisions on the proposed Barkai College and Kavanagh College secondaries will be of concern to established Jewish schools around the country – especially those consistently scoring high marks in national league tables across a broad spectrum of subjects.

The unquestionable all-round success of Jewish and other faith schools adds up to a compelling case for this important sector of our education system. Religion can help, not hinder, educational success. That’s a lesson the Department for Education would be wise to learn.