Catholic school for non religious family?

[GreenTiles22]

We have the option of sending our children to a catholic state primary school, which feeds into a catholic state secondary. The secondary school is outstanding and is ranked in the top 100 of state schools.

But... we are not a religious practising family.

We also have the option of a local state primary and secondary which are 'good' but both rank much lower in attainment scores.

I'd be interested to hear views and others experience of sending non-catholic children to a catholic school. FWIW my brother and I both went to catholic schools in the 90's and neither of us are catholic but I think times have changed and it might be a lot stricter now?

I have checked the admissions policy and we would get in under the current criteria.

I would, purely for the secondary. Although (as I’m sure you know from experience) the level of religious instruction in Catholic primaries can be quite full on. My friend with a YR child is currently homeschooling and the only part that is compulsory to hand in is RE!

As a recovered Catholic , I can tell you, it IS full-on and rather tedious. And I was a totally devout, rosary clutching Catholic (raised Catholic by my Irish mother). My kids were altar servers, we were front pew, I helped run fundraisers for the school for the church, etc. You don't have to do any of that but the religious aspect of education can be a bit exhausting. To commit to something you can't fully support or believe in is even more exhausting. I think you are asking a lot of your kids, if you want me to be really honest. There will be people who say, "Oh well, the christian message and ethos is a nice friendly one". It's not about that in Catholic school. It's about integrating a belief system into your child's every day education, a belief system you may not support. You have to respect how huge that is. It's not something that can be easily put to the backburner. And also, it can be very 'bubble-like'. You will be in this Catholic world, tied to a church you won't get out of ignoring entirely. Your kids will also be a bit 'othered' if they're not attending and not taking part in the rite of Holy Communion.
It's more cliquey than you think. And that can be uncomfortable. Primary will be much more intense than secondary.

My eldest asked not to attend Catholic secondary. My second asked to leave Catholic primary school and moved into a non-faith school which my youngest started at. So, we've gone the opposite direction for personal reasons.

I can see why you would choose this school. And you ultimately have to make the choice that is right for your children. That's entirely up to you, regardless of our input here on MN. If you want your kids to go to that Catholic secondary they will need to go through the rite of Holy Communion in the Catholic church and attend Mass. I don't think you're going to escape those priorities. I may be wrong. But being at the Catholic primary won't be enough on its own to get into the Catholic secondary. You still have to apply via your LA and tick all the right boxes. Children at the primary won't automatically get into the secondary, though attending the primary, being a practicing Catholic at the church affiliated with both the primary and secondary school, being baptised Catholic within the first year, taking part in Holy Communion in year 3 are all the 'things' that will get your children a secure place in the secondary. I know many Catholic children who went to the Oratory primary and did not attend the Oratory secondary school, for example, even if they ticked all of the boxes. Some kids are just 'more' Catholic than others, OP. And those are the ones who get into the secondaries. It depends though. If you're in a quiet area and the schools aren't over-subscribed, then you don't have to worry as much. It may be easier to get into your particular local secondary.

Your kids will also be a bit 'othered' if they're not attending and not taking part in the rite of Holy Communion.

attending Mass that should read... and not taking part in HC.

I'd be very happy to support them in ensuring they feel comfortable at the school. It's got a great reputation and us by far the best secondary school results wise in the area.

Well then, it sounds like you've made your decision. Best of luck.