Management Information Sheet
Political Impartiality in schools - new guidance
Teaching about political issues and the different views held on these is an essential part of a broad and balanced curriculum, and an important way in which schools help pupils to become active citizens who are prepared for life in modern Britain.
"Over the last few years, there has been much discussion about political impartiality in schools, often in the context of specific political issues and movements. I know that this has at times been difficult for school leaders, teachers, and staff, as they navigate how to handle and teach about these complex issues sensitively and appropriately. That is why I'm pleased this government is publishing clear guidance explaining schools' existing legal duties on political impartiality. It is also important to remember that nothing in this guidance limits schools' freedom to teach about sensitive, challenging, and controversial political issues, as they consider appropriate and necessary". Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi MP, Secretary of State for Education |
This guidance explains the existing legal requirements relating to political impartiality in schools. It will help those working with and in schools to understand how these legal duties might impact teaching and extra-curricular activity. This guidance:
- supports those working with and in schools to understand the relevant legal duties
- helps schools understand what they need to consider when teaching about political issues, using external agencies and in extra-curricular activities
- clarifies the role of the specific bodies and individuals subject to the legal duties
It does not include any new statutory requirements and is based on existing legal duties on political impartiality. Legal duties on political impartiality do not supersede schools' other statutory requirements. Schools should take a reasonable and proportionate approach to ensuring political impartiality, alongside their other responsibilities.
This leaflet outlines how teachers and staff in schools should consider political impartiality in their work.
To help school leaders and teachers use the new guidance with confidence, you can book on a fully-funded, interactive virtual workshop, providing school leaders and teachers with a collaborative opportunity to:
- Review key points from the new guidance
- Identify reasonable and proportionate steps to ensure the legal duties are met
- Work with colleagues to consider with colleagues the areas where schools are required to use their own judgement, enabling peer support in decision making.
Secure your place/s here.