Judicial Review in relation to Al Gore Film

I am advising all schools that a judicial review application by a parent in the High Court claiming that showing the film An Inconvenient Truth would place local authorities and schools in breach of Sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996 (which, respectively, prohibit the promotion of partisan political views and require that when political issues are brought to the attention of pupils, they are offered a balance presentation of opposing views.)

It is not clear when this claim will be considered by the Court but the Teachernet reference states that, unless and until the High Court says otherwise, the DfES considers that the showing of the film, in accordance with the guidance available on the Teachernet site, is lawful.

If schools in Norfolk are intending to show the film it will be necessary for Norfolk to come to a legal view on this.

Pending judicial review, it would be helpful if any school considering using the film contacts us so that a view can be taken by our legal advisers.