State-sponsored superstition should have no place in the education of children, who should be left to make up their own minds on the basis of the evidence they see around them. Education should inspire rational thought and display the pleasures of deep understanding; it should not propagate the social poison of divisive dogma.

Peter Atkins, Writer and former Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oxford
The societal division of state education can hardly be said to be in the wider public interest.

Crispin Blunt, Conservative MP
Collectively we have an obligation to provide children with equal access to education, for that to be as inclusive as possible it needs to be secular. In a world marked by so many divisions it is important we protect our education system as something free from religious prejudice.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Labour MP
If we are aiming for an inclusive society, the fewer divisions we can impose on our growing children the better.

Virginia Ironside, Journalist, agony aunt and author
In today’s society, it is more important than ever that our children can enjoy a diverse and fair education, and have the chance to learn from each other’s differences. The National Secular Society’s No More Faith Schools campaign is an important step in this direction and provides a platform for those who want an inclusive education to show their support for that.

Dan Snow, Historian, broadcaster and television presenter
It is a lie to call non denominational schools such, when they are clearly Church of Scotland inclined. A non denominational school does not require a linked church or named minister. In a nation where less than half the country identifies as religious, we do not need 'religious observance' to be a required element in any school. State funded schools are not an appropriate place for religious indoctrination.
Robertson, Glasgow
Attending a faith school means that children and their families are likely to interact and socialise with those of the same religion which makes for a segregated society. If our children to grow up compassionate and understanding of others they need to mix with children and teachers of different backgrounds and religions. Dividing our society into faith groups from a young age is setting a time bomb for the future.
Merilyn, Barnet
Education should be open to and equal for all, integrating our young people across their diverse backgrounds and teaching about different religions, beliefs lifestyles and traditions in an informative and objective way. Faith schools present an unnecessary barrier to integration and perpetuate divisions in society. They should have no place in our state funded education system.
Steve, Derby
Religious indoctrination and organised worship should not be part of our educational system. The curriculum should include RE to give children a perspective on the religious views of others that they will meet in life.
Paul, Oxford
I think it's a disgrace that my child's school is being closed down and that he is being forced into a religious school. I do not want organised religion rammed down my sons throat.
Natasha, Great Yarmouth
Share your Story
Testimonials
Parent’s perspective: We made a mistake sending our child to a faith school
Posted: Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:27
We were unprepared for how strongly a Catholic school would push religion on our child, says Natassa....
Parent’s perspective: My son’s faith school has restricted his subject choices
Posted: Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:55
By giving special weight to RE, my son's C of E faith school has restricted his options elsewhere, says...
Parents’ perspective: religious discrimination could cost our children places in a suitable school
Posted: Thu, 08 Oct 2020 10:01
Local faith schools' selective policies have created an unseemly competition for places, leaving parents...
Parent’s perspective: My daughter was turned away from our local school on religious grounds
Posted: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 14:01
My family has been discriminated against on religious grounds – and our four-year-old hasn't been...
Parent's perspective: My son shouldn't have to feel abnormal because he's not Christian
Posted: Fri, 01 Nov 2019 10:08
My son is struggling to reconcile his lack of religious belief with his school's Christian ethos, says...
Parent’s perspective: Why should my children have religion imposed on them at a Catholic school?
Posted: Wed, 07 Aug 2019 10:46
I'm worried my children's freedom to make their own choices on religion will be undermined at a local...
Pupil's perspective: My Catholic school indoctrinated and shamed its pupils
Posted: Thu, 18 Jul 2019 17:03
Our homophobic Catholic school brainwashed young minds into feeling a deep sense of guilt just for being...
Parent’s perspective: Faith schools push dogma as fact and undermine inclusion
Posted: Thu, 11 Jul 2019 12:56
It's high time for parents to demand an end to religious groups' control of children's education, says...
Governor’s perspective: How faith schools prioritise religion over education
Posted: Fri, 31 May 2019 11:20
Matthew is the governor at a Church of England school in Cornwall. He says those running the school have...
Teacher's perspective: Non-Catholics need not apply
Posted: Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:59
When Rachel applied for a teaching position at a state funded faith school, she found that non-Catholics...
- Page:
- 1
- 2