Ofsted criticises archdiocese over ban on gay author’s visit to Catholic school

Attempts to oust school governors who supported a visit by a gay author left staff and pupils “feeling angry, confused and frustrated”, Ofsted said.

Ofsted said its snap inspection of John Fisher school in Purley was triggered by concerns over the school’s governance, after the Catholic leaders of the archdiocese intervened to cancel a visit by the author Simon James Green to celebrate World Book Day in March.

Green was to speak and sign books at the boys’ secondary school, which is overseen by the Catholic archdiocese of Southwark. But the diocese banned the event after overruling the school’s leaders, saying it would “fall outside the scope of what is permissible in a Catholic school” and was “potentially offensive to parents, past pupils and wider members of the Catholic community”.

The Ofsted inspector described in detail the archdiocese’s attempts to remove the school governors, who voted to go ahead with Green’s visit, saying that the archdiocese acted “unilaterally” and without regard to statutory guidance.

“It is essential that all parties take swift and suitable steps to finalise suitable governance arrangements, and in turn ensure that the governing body can function fully and effectively,” the report states.

Ofsted said that as a priority, “immediate steps must be taken to restore stability to governance, and in turn ensure that leadership is provided with the support and challenge needed to build further on the school’s strong provision for pupils’ personal development”.

The report said that the events “have unnerved and upset many in the school community. Some leaders, staff and pupils have been left feeling angry, confused and frustrated. Others are worried about the impression these events might give of the school’s ethos”.

Members of the National Education Union at John Fisher school are to go on strike from Thursday in protest at the Southwark archdiocese’s actions, with six days of strike action.

The Ofsted inspection report reserved its praise for the school’s leaders and teachers, telling headteacher Philip McCullagh: “You and your team are steering the school well through this difficult time.”

The inspection also praised the school’s efforts to allow pupils to discuss sensitive issues such as racist or intolerant attitudes.

“Relationships and sex education is comprehensive and meets the expectations set out in government guidance. Pupils are taught the importance of respect for all, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender,” the report stated.

“Staff ensure that pupils feel confident in raising and talking about potentially sensitive topics, for instance those related to pornography, sexting and harmful sexual behaviour.”