School survey welcomed

The Diocese of Lichfield has welcomed a new survey which reveals that a majority of non-Christians who were surveyed do not see church schools as divisive.

A survey of more than 1,000 people found six out of 10 non-Christians believe that faith schools give places to pupils from all backgrounds, while two-thirds think that they provide a 'broad and balanced' education. Colin Hopkins, director of education for the Diocese of Lichfield, said it shows the "broad confidence" residents have in faith schools.

He said: "I welcome the results of this survey, which clearly demonstrate the broad confidence that many people have in church schools. They are an integral part of the maintained system of schooling, and are both Christian and distinctive institutions.

"Our schools serve the whole community in which they are located, including children from all backgrounds, faiths and traditions. We are not pursuing a sectarian endeavour or attempting to proselytise children, but rather giving children and young people the opportunity to be part of a community."

Eight in ten thought church schools help young people develop a sense of right and wrong, while seven out of ten thought they help youngsters become responsible members of society.

Two-thirds agreeing that church schools are different said they think students benefit from Christian worship in faith schools, although six out of ten non-Christians disagreed.

The Reverend Jan Ainsworth, chief education officer at the Church of England, said: "This survey result is surprising, given that all religious studies syllabuses used in church schools require students to learn about at least six other major world faiths."

Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education is the second largest in the Church of England, educating 44,000 children and young people in 206 schools in Staffordshire, Shropshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford & Wrekin, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall.