STATEMENT ON THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL BY THE BISHOP OF WARRINGTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION.
I know there is very considerable uncertainty at present concerning the issue of the school’s legal status and the possible implications if it were to be designated a Church of England school by the Secretary of State. The law requires that he must resolve this matter, which is about whether the statutory designation procedure was carried out correctly in the process which followed the 1998 Education Act.
This is, therefore, a matter between the Secretary of State and the school, but I wish to give parents, staff, trustees and governors my categorical and public assurance that if the Blue Coat School were to be designated with Church of England status they would experience no difference at all because of this in the essential features of the school. There would be no change to the school’s admissions policy, which would ensure that the school remained a grammar school and that pupils were not admitted on the basis of their religion. There would be no change to governor appointments or governor responsibilities, no change to the curriculum, no change to the school’s multi-cultural ethos, no change to the school’s aspirations. Nor would there be any change to the Blue Coat Foundation’s legal status as trustees for the school, which would continue to own and be responsible for all the Foundation’s assets including the building. The only noticeable difference would be in the inspection arrangements for religious aspects of the curriculum. This is an excellent school, which we would not wish to see change. These and other points are explained in greater detail on the Diocesan Website.
If you require further clarification on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Jon Richardson, Diocesan Director of Education, at Church House.
The Rt Revd David Jennings 9th January 2007
Bishop of Warrington
Q&A on the Blue Coat School and Church of England Status