Aibu going to church so my child goes to a Catholic school

[ThatEdgyBlueScroller]

I was raised a Catholic and found mass boring. School was high achieving but to be honest religious education wasn't that well respected by students.

I wish I could attend a church that could give my child and I a community... I just don't believe in the teachings, but morally I agree with some teachings.

Would I be unreasonable to attend church and get my child baptized/christned etc just to guarantee a school place?

My solo mum friend (sperm donor) friend didn't want to commit to the evenings classes but would for the school place

A lot of people do... it's quite common.

Our children went to Church of England schools but we have always been a part of our parish church. I worked in churches for many years.
I hope for a Catholic Secondary with the youngst but of course Catholic children have seats first.

Loads of people do and if you can sit for the weekly mass - then do it.

Do what you have to do if you're certain you want that for your DC. People do far worse
PS I don't think you have to actually attend mass if the DC are baptised but check that out.

Have to go to preparation class.

When I was baptized it was at 2 weeks old so clearly I didn't lol

I don't think there's anything wrong with that, if it was up to me there would be no faith schools but if that's the best school around then it's fair to want to do whatever to get your child in. It depends on your area. Is there a secular school that would be just as good?

So many people do - then drop off the instant their youngest gets the secondary school place.
You might even find you like being part of the community and guess what - not everyone agrees with all of the teachings

Why not? My school received 15% less funding.

Islamic school are heaps worse. Zero tolerance and no teaching of science

The churches and schools around here (London) are very very wise to this sort of thing.

You'll need to attend mass very regularly and for a long time to stand a chance to get into the oversubscribed Catholic schools.

Three Catholic schools within a very short distance. I'll be ok

Does the church say who attends a school? Because it's not in the selection criteria

My kids go to catholic schools and I believe we have the community feel you are looking for. But we have that community feel because we believe and go to church. You won't get that by purely going to a catholic school you need to attend church, have the tea and coffee after and chat to people, be a part of it all. Maybe have a think about what you want, you can get a community feel from any school really so it's entirely up to you. But if you go catholic and don't attend church or events because you don't believe you will likely feel more segregated.

I went to a church school in London and only went to church in order to get into the school. We went from when I was in Year 4 (in order to apply for a Year 7 place) - so it is a long term commitment. I’d say about half the people at the school were from families who’d done the same. Nothing wrong with it imo if your other school options are crap.

This reminds me of a Julia in Motherland wanting to get her daughter into a Catholic school and when she’s praying in front of the nun. “Spiritus, Sanctus, candidus, Agnes Deyn”.

I think that as long as faith schools are funded by the taxpayer, parents are justified in doing whatever is necessary to gain a place for their child if that is their preference (it wouldn't be mine).

It is unconscionable that schools paid for by taxpayers are allowed to discriminate on the grounds of religion. If you want a school exclusively for your own faith, then you should fund it privately.

At my church there was none of that socializing.

So if I can find a church where you go to a room afterwards, that would suit me. Randomly speaking to people on their way out wouldn't suit me, I'm too shy.

I want my son to have positive role models and be surrounded by people who are kind and care about their community. I feel I can get that in places like sports and scouts but also a spiritual way via a church and schools.

Every child has a right to an education

Plenty of non Catholics attended my school - should they be kicked out

15% less funding in my day, so cost you less

Not discriminated against, cared for children are at the top of the selection criteria.

Siblings

Etc.

Why so jealous?

Jewish and Muslim schools accept zero.

The church needs to ‘sign off’ that you and your child are regular attendees when you apply to the school. So you do need to make sure that the priest knows who you are - get involved with coffee mornings, Sunday school etc. You can’t just go every now and again.

Do they?

Because not in th selection criteria, just baptism criteria.

I wouldn't do it unless you are going to keep going to church throughout your child's schooling. If you are not involved with the religious community, what will you tell your child? At the local catholic school near me, which lots of parents pretend to be catholic to get their children into, they have to do compulsory religious education with school (not just the normal type that all schools do) and regularly do church things with school too. What if you have the type of child who questions this or has a mind of their own and refuses to go along with the pretence?

Also catchment area.... Outside the catchment area zero chance...

Yes it's religious education, not a biggie... And I would rather they concentrated on the Catholic religion than other religions. You still get taught other religions btw, just small focus.

I think it's fine. The admission criteria is based on church attendance, not faith in God. So, if you attend the church, then you aren't cheating. You're just fulfilling the criteria.

Not all churches/schools work the same way in admission.

Quite many Church of England schools ask for a letter from the parish vicar stating you are a regular church going family.

I think you've misread my post, I thought I was quite clear that I personally would not choose a faith school for my children. I would not want them within 100 yards of faith-based teaching and indoctrination.

I maintain, however, that in a civilised society children should have equal and unprejudiced access to the schools paid for by their parents' taxes. Discrimination on the grounds of religion has no rightful place in a publicly funded state education system. The exception made for looked-after children is a red herring, and you know it.