Statement sent to all embassies and world media from Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, on teaching the Holocaust in schools:

"I want to put an end once and for all to the myth that the Holocaust is not being taught in schools or is being removed from the curriculum. I am pleased to confirm that this is absolutely not the case. Teaching of the Holocaust is compulsory in all secondary schools between the ages of 11 and 14 and can also be studied in GCSE history courses when studying the Second World War. There is also scope to cover it in English, politics lessons and citizenship classes.

"We are clear that there are certain non-negotiable subjects, which are protected in schools; one of those is the Holocaust. There is no evidence that schools are breaking the rules and not teaching the Holocaust. We also fund visits for young people from every secondary school and college to go to Auschwitz.

"I believe the Holocaust was one of the most horrific events in world history and I want every young person to have an understanding of it."

Related links:
Britain earmarks £4.65 million for school visits to Auschwitz
Department for Children, Schools and Families
The Holocaust Education Trust

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