Facts about faith schools

As the debate about faith schools rumbles on, we answer some common questions.

How many faith state schools are there in England?

Primary schools - 6,384

Secondary schools - 589

Of these, 4,716 are Church of England, 2,108 Roman Catholic, 32 Jewish, four Muslim, two Sikh, one Greek Orthodox and one Seventh Day Adventist. Until Labour was elected in 1997, all state faith schools were Christian or Jewish. Is that enough?


Will the government get its way?

Since January 2000, there have been 61 enquiries - seven of which have come to fruition. The Church of England is this week discussing ambitious plans for 100 new schools and is particularly keen to expand the number of its secondaries. Some Muslim private schools are expected to apply for state funding, although, until now, most Muslim parents have put a high premium on integrating their children into local schools. The main constraint on a big increase in Muslim schools is not so much buildings as teachers. The growth of Catholic schools in the 19th century in response to immigration from Ireland was underpinned by teaching orders of friars, monks and nuns and more recently by Catholic teacher training colleges.

Who pays for them?

You do - if you are a taxpayer. The state pays 85% of capital costs and the government says it is considering raising this to 90%. It also pays the teachers.

What do they teach?

All have to teach the national curriculum. For religious education, around 57% of faith schools (voluntary-aided) teach their own faith. The remaining 43% (voluntary-controlled or foundation schools) teach the locally agreed religious education syllabus, which has a more multi-ethnic approach.

Who can attend faith schools?

Admissions policy is determined by the school governors, but in many cases the local education authority is also involved. A school can insist children come from a particular faith background but it is bound by the Race Relations Act. Popular schools may insist on proof of baptism and regular church attendance. The Church of England urges schools to take account of the local community and make sure wealthier parents from outside the area do not push out local people. "We would suggest that some places should be reserved for children of other faiths and no faith," advises the recent report by Lord Dearing for the church. However, it is the governors' decision.

Will educating children separately lead to social and religious divisions?

Yes, say critics, including the National Secular Society, which claims 80% of the population disapprove of faith schools. "School provides the best, and sometimes only, opportunity to teach tolerance, but only if children of all beliefs and cultures are educated together. The problems in Belfast, Bradford and elsewhere remind us how imperative this need is," it said.

No, Estelle Morris, the education secretary told the Church of England general synod today. However, she said they must be "inclusive" and not select children rigidly on religious lines and should be part of the "local family" of schools in their area. "Our aim is that all faith schools should adopt more inclusive admission policies."

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