What makes an effective representation?

This guide is aimed at local campaigners who are responding to a formal consultation on proposals for a new maintained 'faith' school.

How new schools are established

In the case of a new maintained school, a statutory process called a 'school competition' must be followed. By law this has to include an opportunity for local people to submit comments (called 'representations').

The local authority will usually decide that a new school is needed and then invite proposals from a range of potential providers, some of which may be religious groups. However, it is possible for a religious group that wants to run a school to apply directly to the Secretary of State without the local authority inviting proposals. Either way local people must have the same opportunities to comment.

Local councillors will usually make the final decision on who will run the new school – or whether to go ahead with a new school at all - unless the local authority has submitted its own proposal, in which case the Schools Adjudicator will decide.

Tips on writing an effective representation

It’s easy to construct an argument against ‘faith’ schools – they’re divisive, discriminatory and unpopular.

But when submitting a formal representation it’s important to be aware of the things councillors (or the Schools Adjudicator) will be looking out for. Their role is not to consider the general arguments for or against faith schools, but rather to judge each specific proposal for a new school against criteria set by the central government.

You also need to bear in mind that the religious lobby is deeply entrenched in our political culture – many councillors will have predetermined ideas about ‘faith’ schools being better schools. It’s important to refute these myths politely and methodically.

DO

• Read the proposals very carefully - particularly the sections on admissions, employment and religious education (RE)
• Link your objections to the factors which must by law be considered by decision makers (see below)
• Demonstrate, with evidence if possible, that your views are shared by other local people
• Include research and statistics to back up your arguments - local if possible (such as petitions)
• Make the positive case for an inclusive community school (if a proposal has been received for one)
• Write clearly and succinctly with short paragraphs
• Explain who you are and why you have an interest, and state clearly if you’re a parent, carer or grandparent
• Put yourself in the place of a local Councillor who has no strong opinion either way on 'faith' schools – would it convince them?

DON’T

• Make generalised comments about 'faith' schools
• Make irrelevant objections about the religion of the proposed school
• Include anecdote or hearsay (unless you can verify it)
• Use emotive terms such us ‘sectarian’, ‘indoctrination’ or ‘brainwashing’ – it won’t help!
• Write more than is necessary to make your point

Whose views count?

By law the local authority must consider the views of ‘all those affected’ by the proposals for a new school, including pupils, families of pupils and staff.

The local authority is obliged to give the greatest weight to representations from those people likely to be most directly affected by the proposals, for example the parents of children who might be eligible to attend the new school. If this applies to you then make sure you state it clearly.

What factors must decision makers consider?

When you make your representation, it’s important to link your objections to factors that the local authority will be considering. The Education and Inspections Act 2006 puts a legal obligation on local authorities to consider specific criteria when deciding on a new school. This is a lengthy list, but the most relevant points are:

• Parental choice – Would a new 'faith' school reduce choice for parents, especially non-religious ones?
• Diversity – Would a new 'faith' school reduce diversity in school provision?  Are there already lots of 'faith' schools?  Would a new 'faith' school upset the balance between community and religious schools?
• Discrimination – Are there any sex, race or disability discrimination issues that could arise from a new 'faith' school?
• Demand – Is there any evidence that there is not sufficient demand for places for a new 'faith' school to be sustainable?
• Community cohesion – Would the proposed new school meet its statutory duty to promote community cohesion by ‘increasing inclusion and equality of access for all social groups’?  Will it be able to help children to ‘learn to understand others, to value diversity whilst also promoting shared values’? If not, say so.
• Disadvantaged groups – Will the proposed new school adversely impact on disadvantaged groups?