ADVANCED PLANS for an academy in Oldham, sponsored jointly by the diocese of Manchester and Peacemaker, a Muslim organisation, have foundered after the local education authority, Oldham Council, decided that none of its three planned academies should be faith schools.
The council has, however, chosen the Oasis Trust, a Christian-based organisation, as the sponsor for one of the academies, and the British Edutrust Foundation (Edutrust) as the backer for another. It is understood that these academies do not have a faith designation.
In a statement, the council says the decision not to go ahead with the Anglican/Muslim proposal was “by mutual consent”, and it wanted the diocese to remain involved. “The Church of England makes a valuable contribution to education in Oldham, and we are keen to utilise their expertise.”
Negotiations for the C of E-Muslim academy have been in progress for nearly two years. The project would have been the first of its kind in the country.
The C of E’s national schools-
development officer, Canon David Whittington, said he was disappointed: “I believe it would have been powerful educationally, and would have made a strong contribution to community cohesion which is not advanced by taking faith out of schools.”
Proposals for an academy in the north of England, to be sponsored jointly by the C of E and the Multifaith School Trust, are at an early stage. |
back to News
previous story
|
next story 
back to top
