Can Teachers Be Political in the UK?
Education Act 1996 Evaluation
Short answer, No — But there is a lot more to the story. This article, in layman’s terms, will break down the laws surrounding teachers and their political views in an easy-to-read way.
The main law surrounding teacher’s and their conduct is the Education Act 1996. In regards to political views, articles (406) and (407).
Both (406) and (407) outline specifically ow a teacher can discuss political views and what they can and cannot do in regards to differing opinions.
Lets analyse both articles in layman’s terms.
*I will only be analysing specific sections of the clauses that fit the question/premise of this article. For the full legislation, See bottom of article.
Education Act 1996 (406):
The first bit of (406) is section 1 [a & b] “Political Indoctrination” which says any Governing Body, Local Authority of Head Teacher MUST forbid…
- The pursuit of “partisan political” activities by any pupil. (Any student partaking in openly political activities siding one political faction or party).
- The promotion of “partisan political” views by a teacher in any subject. (Teachers promoting their own political views in class).
Official Legislation:
(Section 1)The [local authority], governing body and head teacher shall forbid —
-(a)the pursuit of partisan political activities by any of those registered pupils at a maintained school who are junior pupils, and
-(b)the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school.
Education Act 1996 (407):
The first bit of (407) is section 1 [a & b] “Duty to secure balanced treatment of political issues” which says any Governing Body, Local Authority of Head Teacher ensure…
- When political topics are brought up, a balanced presentation of opposing views.
For anyone who is…
- In attendance at a maintained school, or
- Taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised for registered pupils at the school by or on behalf of the school.
Official Legislation:
(1)The [local authority], governing body and head teacher shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils while they are —
-(a)in attendance at a maintained school, or
-(b)taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised for registered pupils at the school by or on behalf of the school,
they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views.
Both of these parts of the Education Act 1996 mean that not only must a teacher be fair and balanced in presenting view points, but also not overtly promoting a certain ideology.
For Example:
A teacher talking about how Capitalism is evil and is bad for the poor. Socialism however is all about helping the poor.
This would not only be a violation of the Education Act but incredibly unprofessional. If you believe your teacher is violating these laws, make sure to report it to a head teacher, governor or parent.
If you want to read the Education Act 1996 and use it for citation, here it is below.
Education Act 1996 (406) — (407)
406 Political indoctrination:
(1)The [local authority], governing body and head teacher shall forbid —
(a)the pursuit of partisan political activities by any of those registered pupils at a maintained school who are junior pupils, and
(b)the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school.
(2)In the case of activities which take place otherwise than on the school premises, subsection (1)(a) applies only where arrangements for junior pupils to take part in the activities are made by —
(a)any member of the school’s staff (in his capacity as such), or
(b)anyone acting on behalf of the school or of a member of the school’s staff (in his capacity as such).
(3)In this section “maintained school” includes [a community or foundation special school] established in a hospital.
407 Duty to secure balanced treatment of political issues:
(1)The [local authority], governing body and head teacher shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils while they are —
(a)in attendance at a maintained school, or
(b)taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised for registered pupils at the school by or on behalf of the school,
they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views.
(2)In this section “maintained school” includes [a community or foundation special school] established in a hospital.
