Catholic School my only option?

[hippppy]

We are moving soon to a small village. My children have been attending a schools that are not religious, and quite multi-faith. I am not religious.

There are two primary schools in the village - one C of E and the other Catholic. Both have a good reputation. I have just called both schools and there are only spaces in the Catholic school for my children. To be honest I really do not want them at a Catholic school..I do not believe there should be religion in schools, and if I had to choose, I would have much rather them be at the C of E.

I have read their prospectus and the vast majority of that seems to be Catholic this, prayer that, worship this... It just doesn't sit well with me.

The C of E school is only 0.2 miles away, and a lot more fluffy - the Catholic school is 0.7-1 mile (as you would have to cross a rather busy road via an underpass)

Can I appeal? Happy to porky pie it if I need to.. I have read a lot about people trying to get children into Catholic Schools - what about non religious parents refusing a place - can this be done?

Thank you all - this is my first post, have been hovering around for a while - fantastic forum :)

Thank you very much Tiggytape, exactly the info I needed :)

We have under a month until we move, so I need to know where I stand.

The C of E school has just rang me saying they have a space for my son in year 6.. but not for my daughter in year 1. So I guess the decision will be either put him there and hope to get my daughter in also with an appeal. Or send them both to the Catholic school. It would be a big shame, the catholic school is quite a bit further away, and yo need to use an underpass then cross a very busy road.. the C of E is a stones throw away from the house!

If I put my son in the C of E and my daughter on a waiting list/appeal? Would I stand a better chance of her getting in?

All of this, and then the problem of secondary schools coming up - My son has not got his name down at a school for admissions in 2013 as we are moving. I guess we will have to see what happens there!

Wonder if it would be worth asking the LEA if the school at which you have been offered a place can adequately manage this ?

I don't know what the answer is - we live in one of those areas where its all faith schools, we ended up having to drive several miles to avoid them.

You might be able to get advice if you contact the BHA or NSS.

hth

With the withdrawing from all aspects of worship, I understand how that works in terms of collective assemblies, but what happens in the case of a school where religion and prayers are woven into the whole curriculum?

My DD is at a CofE school at the moment and they have prayers in class several times a day. I've not said anything as she will be going to a non-faith school in September, but how would one go about withdrawing your child from classroom prayers?

I would really struggle in your situation Grimma - we are very staunch atheists and DH is Jewish to boot. We've got very few options because of so many faith schools round here, but they're all very oversubscribed. I'd never contemplated the possibility of having to send one's child to a faith school because there is no other option.

I really do not know why in this day and age that this is rammed down Primary School childrens necks. Its so silly. You have parents pretending to be catholic to get in lots of schools. Where does this leave small children....confused at the best! I have to something I do not believe in because I am told to do it by a teacher whom I should respect... (?!)

It would be like getting a job and told you had to pray 3 times a day in office hours - and forced to listen to someone preaching about god, and be unable to object.

I know you can withdraw a child from worship - but again, its so interwoven into some catholic schools I do not know how they could possibly keep their beliefs away from the child. and, you have the added problem of being the new kid that has to go and stand in the hall, several times a day to avoid prayer....best to go along with it or sit out??

I have never had a problem before as we live near london - the schools are a true mix of faiths, and no single one is pushed upon my children...and that I do like. RE should me that, exploring different religions and beliefs...but I really cant understand why faith is in schools..not one bit!

Thanks again Tiggytape - I need to have a think. Do I put one in the c of E and one in the Catholic in the hope a space will pop up...but if it did, my daughter would need to change schools again..not ideal..

sorry about the spellers! Auto on my phone is not the best ;)

I thought that the LEA would allocate you places at the nearest community school, and not offer you a place at a Catholic school unless you specifically asked. Have you spoken to someone in School Admissions? This sounds totally bizarre to me!

That is the nearest community school with places.

To be honest, if your son is in Y6, I would accept the place on the C&E school.

You have less grounds for appeal if you have turned down a place for him and sent both children to the Catholic school.

If I were you, I would let them be at two different schools for a while, and hope that your dd can get a place on sibling policy, while you prepare your appeal.

Good luck.