Hindu school plan wins backing

Governors will be responsible for admissions

Plans to create one of the UK's first voluntary aided Hindu schools in London have been approved by Harrow Council.
The I-Foundation, a non-profit making organisation made up of Hindu community leaders, successfully bid to set up the primary school in north London.

The council claims 20% of its residents are Hindu, the highest percentage for any local authority in the country.

An application will be made for state funding for the school, which would also get private cash.

As well as private funds voluntary aided schools get Local Education Authority support, but governors are responsible for selection criteria and admissions.

'Recognises demand'

Councillor Navin Shah, Leader of Harrow Council said: "The council has taken a first and giant step towards establishing a voluntary aided Hindu faith school in Harrow."

The move "recognised the demand and aspirations of the significant Hindu community in Harrow", she said.

A review of the I-Foundation bid showed it proposed a strong contribution to addressing the underachievement of ethnic minorities.

The government is due to make a decision on the bid in September.