Explanatory note

This Order designates the independent schools listed in Schedule 1 as having a religious character and revokes the instruments listed in Schedule 2 to the extent set out in that Schedule. All the revocations relate to schools which have closed save one that relates to a school which will no longer be designated with a religious character.

Under section 124A of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, independent schools which are so designated are permitted to take account of certain religious or denominational considerations in making specified employment decisions which relate to teaching staff (such as decisions on appointment or promotion).

Designation by this Order is not of itself a means of acquiring a religious character or of changing religious character. Designation is the recognition of certain existing attributes of the school or its governing body as described in the Religious Character of Schools (Designation Procedure) (Independent Schools) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2314, as amended by S.I. 2004/2262).

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.