ABSTRACT
Organizational and structural changes in education that emphasize accountability, effectiveness, achievement and excellence have been prominent features in many educational systems, nationally and internationally. This chapter provides a background to the proposed expansion of faith-based schools and examines the legal context within which faith-based schools operate. It discusses the current market forces they are subject to with the ethical and practical implications this raises for supporting diverse learners. The chapter explores issues of 'effectiveness' as the emphasis on pupil achievement, among minority ethnic pupils, assumes a central place in the government agenda. State-funded faith-based schools are open to a systematic and formal inspection by Ofsted to establish accountability and raise standards, although on a different basis from that of independent schools. Moving on from the legal and theoretical contexts surrounding state funding of faith-based schools, a number of issues emerge about practical implications such as accommodating diversity, carrying out school inspections, the recruitment of staff and enforcing appropriate disciplinary practices.
