Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether English schools designated with a religious character are able to give preference in connection with the appointment of a teacher to a person whose religious opinions are in accordance with the tenets of the religion of the school even in cases where a genuine professional or occupational requirement on the basis of religion does not apply to the post in question.

Schools with a religious character have the freedom in law - Sections 58 and 60 of the School Standards Framework Act 1998 (SSFA) - to take faith into account when employing teachers. Our expectation is that schools with a religious character will balance the need to maintain the religious character of their school with that of securing the best staff for their school. Alongside this, school leaders are very aware they must comply with employment law and their responsibilities under the Equality Act when making appointments.