Beginner's question... sorry!

[jakesmith]

Hi sorry if this is really obvious but we're contmplating a move out of London and will be trying for kids in the next 12 months fingers crossed. We can't afford private school fees but education is a high priority and have found an area we can afford that has the right transport links for our work, that is very near an Outstanding rated primary school but it is a C of E school and I am Jewish & DW is Atheist. Sorry if this is obvious but does this mean we can't send our future offspring to the school? Their website does talk about Christian values but also about inclusiveness. Is there a general rule or does it change school to school?

you need to look at the admission criteria for that particular school.
regular worship may be a priority for places.
If it isn't then you have more chance. Check also the last distance admitted to see if the new house will be near enough.

Check the school's admissions policy - it will either be on their website or on the local authority's website.

There are two kinds of CofE school: voluntary controlled and voluntary aided. Voluntary controlled ones are entirely state funded, and admissions are not based on religion - they are virtually indistinguishable from standard primary schools; voluntary aided ones still receive a small amount of funding from the church and can operate admissions policies based on religion, though some only take a certain number of children based on religion and the rest on distance, siblings etc. They may also have more religious influence on the school life.

If it is voluntary controlled, you will be fine as long as you are living close enough to the school; if it is voluntary aided, you might not qualify for a place even if you live right next door.

But if you haven't got any children yet it's a bit of a punt anyway because Outstanding now could be Special Measures in five years, and vice versa.

not necessarily. There may be provision for a number of community places which are based on how far away you live . It will depends how many apply in higher priority admissions categories ie practising C of E before yours and exactly what those criteria are. Being a practising Jew may place you ahead of a non religious child in the area for instance but behind those who are C of E.

Thanks everyone very helpful answers to apply to my ongoing research.