Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what his policy is on the 50 per cent cap on faith-based admissions in faith schools; and if he will make a statement.

The ‘Schools that work for everyone’ consultation document proposed that we replace the 50% admissions cap on faith free schools with a series of strengthened safeguards to promote inclusivity. This is because some faiths have felt unable to open new free schools subject to the 50% cap as they say it contravenes religious rules.

The department plans to respond in due course to the proposals regarding the establishment of new faith free schools set out in the consultation document.