Ask your MP to take action on illegal schools

The Government committed to change the law to shut down illegal schools during this Parliament. This was a massive campaign win for Humanists UK, which has been raising the profile of this issue since 2014. But the legislation, which was found in the Schools Bill, has since been dropped - despite having cross-party support.

Current law is not fit for purpose and urgently needs reform: these proposals must return in November's King's Speech.

Background

A significant number of unregistered, illegal ‘schools’ operate in England, many of which are religious. Children within these schools are at risk of indoctrination, abuse, and radicalisation, and do not receive their entitlement to an education. 

Illegal schools operate by exploiting loopholes in the law that mean that the authorities do not have sufficient powers to shut them down. Children in illegal schools have been found to exist in prison-like conditions, facing routine corporal punishment and learning scripture by rote from dawn to dusk. Some of those who leave illegal schools cannot speak English, even though they, their parents, and even their grandparents grew up in this country.

Help us to call for action by asking your MP to write to the Government about the need for illegal schools legislation to be in the King's Speech.

It’s vital that we get as many MPs to do this to create a bigger impact. Please, take five minutes to ask your MP to write to the Government.

You’ll find a default model letter that we highly recommend you take a few minutes to personalise as MPs are more likely to take notice of personalised emails and queries. Enter your postcode to start.