'Serious danger' that new Wolverhampton free school will fail to attract pupils from different ethnic backgrounds

The British Sikh School is set to open in Blakenhall in September, initially taking in 120 pupils aged 11 rising to a total capacity of 840 by 2022.

School leaders say that although the school will be inspired by the Sikh ethos, it will not be a faith school and will be open to children of all or no religious backgrounds.

But Councillor John Rowley, who represents Blakenhall, has expressed concerns that the school will not prove to be an attractive prospect for all sections of the community.

Speaking after he had attended a consultation event run by the school, Councillor Rowley said: "While it is pleasing to see the undoubted commitment from the organisers, I think the main objective of the British Sikh School will be pursue improvements in educational performance amongst Sikh pupils.

"I believe the school will be unlikely to attract pupils from white or Afro-Caribbean backgrounds, particularly as any Sikh studies element is likely to reduce the appeal of the school to non-Sikhs.

"This is not an ideal situation in an area where there is obviously a need for primary school places."

However, school leaders have said creating a school attended solely by Sikh students is 'the very last thing' they want.

Manoher Singh, project manager for The British Sikh School, said: "Our aim is to cater for the whole community and we will tailor the curriculum to meet this need.

"To this end we are in discussions with Buddhist, Muslim and Christian members of the community and welcome all ideas during the public consultation stage. The very last thing we want is a school that only takes Sikh pupils.

"The Sikh studies element is one choice among a number of subjects offered and is by no means compulsory. We will continue to work hard to ensure all members of the community are involved as the school continues to develop."

In September the school will open its doors at the site of the old Parkfield High School on Wolverhampton Road East, before moving to an as yet unnamed permanent site in 2016.

A recent consultation event run by the school to introduce its curriculum to prospective parents attracted more than 100 visitors.