The elephant in the classroom

Madeleine Thompson - 6 Jun 15

Firstly I need to say that this article may not sit comfortably with some readers and may set the cat among the pigeons, open a can of worms and other similar clichés.

Two subjects that interest me greatly are education and religion.  By themselves, I have the greatest respect for each of them.  I think they are both needed, albeit in different ways.  My issue, my gripe, my worry and my great concern is about the link between the two.

I was born into a catholic family (there is always the tendency to add the word “good” when I write or say that).   I went to church each Sunday, I was baptised, took communion and was confirmed.  And I went to a series of catholic schools until my family’s relationship with the church ended for various reasons.    After that, I thought very little about religion.  I carried on believing in the God I had been taught to believe in but I never again went to church.  Over the years I have become interested in religion in a wider context.  Thinking about different religions, people’s right to a faith and people’s right to not follow a faith.

So my stance at the moment is one you could describe as being respectful of faith, respectful of non-faith, a private ‘believer’ but not somebody who follows an organised religion.

My relationship with education has been longer standing for obvious reasons. I followed the traditional UK education system through to university but again I have given that little thought since I graduated.

So fast forward lots of years and here I am now in the position of beginning the process with my husband of selecting a school for our daughter who will begin school in a little under two years.

As a child growing up in Yorkshire, there was one primary school in each village in my town and that is where you went.  No problems, no questions. A good education was readily available.    Now I find myself in a system and an area (which I know is by no means unique) where there are many primary schools to choose from, each with their different criteria to fulfil if you wish to gain entry.

I have a personal moan about the system overall, about the fact that in the state school system, parents have to ‘select’ three choices of school.  The inference being if you don’t get your first choice, you have somehow failed in the system. And by definition failed your child.  And studies have shown that a child’s entire future happiness and success can hinge on their schooling.   I believe very strongly that all schools in the state school system should afford all children, regardless of background and ability, a good education. This should not be for the parents to have to seek out.

But my great concern is this;   I didn’t realise until I started to look at schools just how strong the grip over education is by religious bodies.

In my village, there are several “good” or “outstanding” Catholic schools and a similar number of Church of England schools.  With the former, you need not apply unless you have had your child baptised and can prove this.  With the latter, you need not apply unless you have some affiliation with the local church and can evidence attendance over a period of time.

This wouldn’t feel too bad were it not for the fact that of the two non-faith schools, one is small and can only take 30 pupils each year (we have our fingers crossed we are one of those), and the other is failing.  And this feels so unfair on my daughter and on the other children.  That you have to be connected with a church in order to gain the best education is so wrong. I know of people who are attending one church solely to get their place in the connected school. Before this, they had no connection with the church and I expect they may not afterwards. And I don’t blame them for doing this.   Like moving house to get into a school, it is a desperate measure to secure the best education.

I don’t understand why this has to be. Why is the hold so strong? Why can there be no “good” or “outstanding” schools that are not controlled or influenced by a church and when they do exist why do parents have to work so hard to get in? Education should be a basic right, free for all children, and of equally good standard. Children should not be excluded because their families do not abide by the rules of a church and share the faith.

I don’t see a change on the horizon.  It is not exactly a conversation starter with people because it invokes such strong emotions. Some feel I am insulting their choices, or insulting their churches. I can assure you it is not my intention to insult anybody.     I just dream of a fairer system that is governed by the best educational needs for our children and not governed by a church.

image: lovethispic.com

Madeleine Thompson

I am mum to my little chicks, Aisha, 6 and Abel, 4. Originally from Yorkshire, UK, I now live in a little town in the North West. By day, I work for myself as a freelance PA. By night, I indulge my passion for writing.

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