Single-sex schools battle hots up

Jan 14 2009 by Hazel Ettienne, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

PARENTS say they will call for a judicial review if plans to shelve single-sex education in North Kirklees get the go-ahead.

Councillors will meet this month to make a decision on controversial plans for schools in Batley.

Some 7,300 residents have signed a petition against the proposals to replace Batley Business and Enterprise College and Batley Girls’ High School with a co-educational school.

The petition was organised by Batley Parents’ Alliance.

This includes members of the Indian Muslim Welfare Society, the Pakistan Kashmir Welfare Association and the Muslim Women’s Group.

Hasan Badat, of the Alliance, said Batley had enjoyed single-sex education for more than 50 years.

This had been supported and appreciated by the Asian community since its arrival in the 1960s.

He said the proposals to close the two schools as part of the £200m shake-up of education across Kirklees had come as a surprise and disappointment to the community.

This was followed by outright disapproval.

Mr Badat added: “The significance and importance of continuing single- sex education in Batley is fundamental to the views and feelings of the community, both in terms of a religious and moral perspective.

“The community supports the ideas of community cohesion and secular education, but with single-sex provision.

“It will not support the opening of a mixed school in any shape or form.

“The community is fully focused in its opposition to the proposals and will continue to fight against them through all channels at its disposal, ultimately pursuing a judicial review, if necessary.”