I know it is years off (he won't start school until September 2010), but I have started mulling this over.
The nearest primary school to our home is a church-aided (Church of England) school. I put sproglet's name on the list (which does not give any priority, just registers interest) and got an info pack. The admission criteria is 1) Looked after (fostered or in care) children, 2) children whose parents are identifed by the vicar as being leaders in the faith community of local churches, 3) children who have a sibling at the school, 4) children whose parents are active members of a local church, 5) local children.
So, Fe2O3Baby only falls into the lowest priority. I have been told that it helps to get your child in the school if the vicar "knows your face".
In addition, the impression given by the info pack is that this is a churchy churchy school - a letter from the vicar and the school prayer are included.
I have very mixed feelings. I am not sure if I want my child educated in such a religion soaked establishment. On the other hand, when I visited the school a few years ago, it had a really nice atmosphere. All the other kids in the village have gone there, and they are not all church-goers.
As it is a church aided school, the church has a right to a say in the running and ethos of the school.
It seems to be a really nice school where the children are happy.
It is near enough to walk to school.
Although I am an atheist, I enjoy attending church occasionally. I resent being manipulated into attending services in order to get a place at the nearest school to our home. But, they are making up the rules, so if they want to play that game to get atheist bums on seats, it isn't my fault. But they will get away with it as long as the majority of secular parents play their game......
It is all making me feel rather middle class, and not in a good way (is there a good way?)
Rachel (Conflicted class)