A network of Christian schools criticised by inspectors for failing to promote British values adequately has accused Ofsted of targeting them unfairly.
Ten schools affiliated to the Christian Education Europe network were visited by the schools inspectorate on October 19. Most had previously received positive reports, but the nine to have received the latest verdicts have been declared inadequate or requiring improvement. Two have closed.
Some of the schools were criticised for failing to balance Bible-based teaching on the creation with lessons about evolution and for failing to teach deeply enough about other faiths.
Chris Oakey, principal of Luton Pentecostal Church Christian Academy, suggested Ofsted was picking on Christian schools in an effort to show “even-handedness” after it found evidence that radical Muslims had plotted to take over a number of schools in Birmingham.
“I think they have done it to show they will do it to everyone and not just the Muslims,” he said.
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The schools are appealing against Ofsted’s verdicts and have sought advice from the Christian Legal Centre about a potential judicial review on the grounds that Ofsted has exceeded its powers.
Wesley Richards, chairman of The King’s House School, Windsor, accused one Ofsted inspector of having an agenda by asking: “Do you teach pupils about other religions or do you pretend they don’t exist?” Other schools criticised by Ofsted include Carmel Christian School in Bristol and Greater Grace School in Chester.
Ofsted denied it had unfairly singled out the Christian schools. It said the Department for Education had asked it to inspect a number of independent schools that use the Accelerated Christian Education school curriculum.
“[We] found them to be failing to meet the government’s standards in a number of areas, including safeguarding, leadership and governance, and the quality of the curriculum,” it said. “In addition, a number of these schools were not promoting British values effectively enough.
“It is perfectly legitimate for schools to hold firm to a particular set of values and belief systems. However, they also have a responsibility to prepare pupils for life in multifaith Britain and are expected to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which teaches respect and tolerance towards those from cultures and faiths that may not be represented within the school.”
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Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “These schools produce children who are kind, tolerant, interesting and go on to do good jobs. Most of all, they are happy.
“That is what Christian education does for them . . . Those not following the political ideology of Ofsted are now liable to be punished.
“Ofsted is critical of the Christian belief system within the schools and yet it is this very belief system that is the foundation of schools across this country.”