New Order Recognizes Religious Character of Independent Schools in England

Date of Effect: 30th August 2025

In a recent move by the UK Government, the Secretary of State for Education has issued a new order recognizing the religious character of certain independent schools in England. This order, titled "The Designation of Schools Having a Religious Character (Independent Schools) (England) Order 2025," officially comes into effect on August 30, 2025.

What's the Order About?

The order formally acknowledges the religious affiliation of specific independent schools, allowing them to consider religious criteria in certain employment decisions, particularly related to teaching staff. This recognition does not alter the schools' religious character but acknowledges their existing religious affiliations.

Which Schools Are Affected?

The order designates two independent schools as having a Church of England religious character:

• Ealing Fields High School, Ealing, W5 4EJ
• The Pathfinder Church of England Primary School, Cambridgeshire, CB24 1AA

Revocations: Out with the Old

Several previous designations have been revoked for schools that have either closed or no longer fit the criteria for religious designation. These include:

• St Joseph’s Preparatory School, ST4 5RF
• Barrow Hills School, GU8 5NY
• Priory School, B15 2UR
• Alton Convent School, GU34 2NG
• More House School, GU10 3AP
• Our Lady of Sion School, BN11 4BL

Why Does This Matter?

Designation as a school with a religious character allows these institutions to factor in religious considerations when hiring, aligning with section 124A of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This helps schools maintain their religious ethos, especially in their educational approach and staff appointments.

No Major Impact Expected

The government has indicated that this order is not expected to have a significant impact on the private, voluntary, or public sectors, thus no extensive impact assessment has been conducted.

This development highlights the ongoing commitment to acknowledging and supporting the religious identities of educational institutions within the independent sector in England.