My son is only 18 months but a few people have asked me what school I would like to send him to. When I responded to this question today with my usual answer 'name of local non-religious school' I was informed that I'm unlikely to get him in as it's rated outstanding and there is a big housing estate right next to it where people buy to secure a place. It turns out this person is the assistant head there. She also told me that last year over half the places were taken by siblings.
The only other options within 25 minute walking distance are 1 Catholic school (outstanding) and 2 C of E schools (good), all of which a quick internet search tells me are oversubscribed. The online criteria says families regularly attending church for 2 years before applying will be prioritised.
I'm now worried we won't get a place at any and will have to take the bus to school in a different town. I had no idea this was a thing. We just went to the closest school growing up. It may sound silly but I'm worried about how I will get to work on time and the cost of the busses, plus how tired my little boy will be with the extra travelling time (about 40 minutes x 2).
I feel like my only option is to start going to church but it feels morally wrong. I was brought up Catholic but have no intention of returning to the Christian faith. Am I missing something? Is this common?