A Church of England multi-academy trust has settled out of court after being threatened with High Court action over its assemblies, following claims that they breached human rights and were indoctrinating pupils. The Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust was facing a case brought by parents who said primary pupils were made to pray and watch reenactments of Bible scenes, including the crucifixion, without being offered alternative assembles. Parents Lee and Lizanne Harris called for a judicial review on the grounds that the trust was in breach of pupils’ right to freedom of belief under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights. Debate: MPs discuss whether parents should have opt-out from sex education In a statement, they said: “We took this case to ensure our children receive an inclusive education without the indoctrination of one enforced religion. We believe this isn’t just the right of our children, but all children.” The parents had withdrawn their children from assemblies at Burford Primary School, in Oxfordshire, and said Christian stories had been presented as “fact”. They also raised concerns about Christianity being forced upon pupils at other events, including at past school leavers’ ceremonies held in the local […]
