Abstract: Not all children growing up in the charedi1
community are being denied secular education. However,
many are. This paper sets out current loopholes and gaps in UK education policy and enforcement,
and the implications for children, especially boys, growing up in the chassidic2
segment of the UK
charedi community. We should note that similar issues arise in other countries with large chassidic
communities.
However, irrespective of sex, or the type of institution, the systemic goal of the leadership in parts of
the charedi community, is that the education in their schools should not provide children with access
to a broad and balanced school education, nor access to further education. As a result, many charedi
children are prevented from accessing the wider workforce, as there is no route to many career
opportunities.
Restricting secular education limits the future autonomy of charedi boys due to lack of literacy,
numeracy and recognised qualifications. For girls, the restriction on future autonomy is a
consequence of the lack of access to KS5 qualifications and early arranged marriage, which can be
socially coerced, and motherhood.
We have set out in this paper our suggested solutions; some of which would require primary
legislation. Other solutions require secondary legislation, or simply improved oversight, enforcement
and better funding.
We have set out the consequences of denial of secular education and lack of access to qualifications
in addendum C. We have also set out more details on the diversity of the charedi community in
addendum D. A glossary of Hebrew and Yiddish terms is set out in appendix 5.
