| Draft admissions policy controversy |
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Dear Friends,You will almost certainly have read or heard the recent controversy surrounding the Krishna-Avanti primary school’s draft admissions policy. As you will be aware, the school is the first of its kind in the UK and the I-Foundation, as its sponsor, is feeling its way in the development of an admissions policy which both ensures that the school is genuinely open to applications from across the Hindu community and is in line with the Government’s requirements for voluntary-aided schooling. Quite understandably, the existing governmental requirements have not been developed with Hinduism in mind and so, on occasion, the language and approaches used to apply to other faith schools are not always appropriate to us. For this reason, in developing the school’s admissions policy, we are extremely grateful for the advice and on-going guidance that we have received from both the Department for Children Schools and Families and the London Borough of Harrow. It has always been the intention of the I-Foundation is to create a school open to all across the community. For this reason, I-Foundation has been working with and seeking advice from a number of organisations. These include the Church of England, the Board of Jewish Deputies and the Association of Muslim Schools. Throughout we have also sought to consult widely with temples and other organisations from across the Hindu community on the form that the admissions policy should take. Prior to publication of our draft admissions policy we understood all the temples, from whatever branch of Hinduism, to be in agreement as to our definition of a practising Hindu and our consultation with them confirmed this. When other individuals had further comments to make, we think it is a shame that they chose to make them to the media rather than to ourselves and we hope on reflection that that they will agree this approach was neither in the best interests of Hinduism or the school. Nevertheless, it remains our intention, with our faith advisor, to create a school that encompasses in its ethos the core tenets and spiritual values of Hinduism. The school is working with ISKCON in the role as faith advisor, and hence the faith nurture aspects of the school will be guided by ISKCON. It is also our ongoing intention to ensure places are available to applicants from the different strands of Hinduism. For this reason - based on constructive advice received from various parts of the community and to ensure we are in keeping with the admissions code - we have again revisited the admissions policy. As a result, we have now produced a revised version (see "Admissions" section of this website), which devolves responsibility for defining a practising Hindu to local temples, whatever branch of Hinduism they represent. This will give to the authorities at each individual temple the power to determine for themselves whether an individual is a practising Hindu, in line with the values and practices of their particular branch of Hinduism. This practice of devolving responsibility in this way reflects that used by other faith schools. Amongst those with whom we have discussed this new approach is the General Secretary of the Hindu Council (HCUK), Anil Bhanot. He says: "The Hindu faith has a long and commendable tradition of diversity and the admissions policy for the Krishna-Avanti school reflects this. This school is a significant venture for the UK Hindu community.” HCUK Executive Member Dr Raj Pandit Sharma has added: "Under the revised proposals, HCUK looks forward to collaborating with the I-Foundation in this momentous undertaking for UK Hindus. Your efforts to unify Hindus are commendable and the Almighty will bless you for this." The task of creating an admissions policy for a cross-community Hindu school was never going to be straight forward, and because of the widely held expectation that the school will be oversubscribed it was inevitable that it would be subject to great scrutiny. Please, however, rest assured that the principles behind the Krishna-Avanti school remain the same: to promote core Hindu values, while providing a first rate education. We look forward to continuing to work with anyone who shares these values. I-Foundation |
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Message from the Head Teacher
At the Krishna-Avanti Primary School, the staff and governors aim to provide a world class learning environment where all pupils are valued and encouraged to realise their spiritual, emotional and academic potential.
Friends of Krishna-Avanti
Become a patron of Krishna-Avanti Primary School and help make history by developing the first government sponsored Hindu school in the UK.
Capital Sponsors
Join hands with other prominent members of our Hindu community by helping to sponsor the capital build costs of the school.
Areas Remaining to be Sponsored:
Temple £500,000
Main Hall £251,000
Classrooms £51,000 each
Lets preserve the values of our Hindu culture for future generations!
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During His presence on this planet, Lord Krishna also went to school - in a place called Avanti. Hence with the name 'Krishna-Avanti', we hope to inspire a simultaneous attachment to both God and education, as taught by the Lord Himself. Media Pack
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Krishna-Avanti Primary School
Camrose AvenueEdgware, Middlesex
HA8 6ES, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 8381 3344
Email: click here