Andrew Bridgen – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Education

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Bridgen on 2016-04-14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department has issued to schools on the (a) teaching of the EU and (b) referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU.

Nick Gibb

The Department has not issued any guidance to schools on the teaching of the EU, or the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU.

Schools are aware of their duties regarding impartiality and treatment of political issues. Sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996 require maintained schools to prevent political indoctrination and secure the balanced treatment of political issues. This duty is reflected in the model funding agreement for academies and free schools. Schools are best-placed to understand their pupils’ needs and to tailor their curricula accordingly. They are aware of their duties regarding impartiality and treatment of political issues, and are required to prevent political indoctrination and secure the balanced treatment of political issues. Teaching should equip pupils to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, to debate, and to make reasoned arguments. It should also prepare them to take their place in society as responsible citizens. At key stage 4, the national curriculum includes teaching about local, regional and international governance and the United Kingdom’s relations with the rest of Europe, the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the wider world.