New secondary school for boys is planned

Bolton Muslim Academy Trust (BMAT) is proposing to set up the Crescent High School in a location yet to be decided.

The faith-based “free school’ would be funded by central government but outside of local authority control.

BMAT said it was planning to apply to the Department for Education next month to seek approval to set up the new school in 2019.

A response from the department was expected this summer.

In a statement announcing plans for the school BMAT said: “Whilst the proposed new school will be designated as having a Muslim character, it will be open to children of other faiths or none and will promote fundamental British values, which will be embedded throughout the school day.

“Like other faith-based free schools, it will offer only 50 per cent of places to applicants based on their Muslim faith and all the other places at the school will be open equally to students of other faiths or none.”

Public consultation meetings were held on Wednesday at the Al Hikmah Centre, Track Road, Batley, and Savile Town Community Centre, Orchard Street, Dewsbury.

Idrish Patel, BMAT’s interim chief executive and headteacher of Bolton Muslim Girls’ School, said: “Our school has a universal aspiration to drive up educational attainment.

“We believe that every individual, regardless of faith, race or background, is unique and special and should have access to an outstanding education that embodies opportunity for all.”

To find out more contact Patricia Corfield on [email protected] or 01204 361103.