Faith Schools in Pluralistic Britain: Debate, Discussion, and Considerations

Abstract

This article discusses some contemporary issues that surround faith-based schooling within a pluralistic society and includes arguments for and against the views that exclusivity and divisiveness are fostered in faith-based schools. The article also considers the educational aims of such schools and the rights of the child, examining notions of selectiveness, autonomy, indoctrination, and encapsulation. The distinctiveness of religious education and the inclusion of citizenship education within the curriculum of faith-based schools is discussed and the implications of this curricular relationship are considered, as is the possibility of an inherent contradiction in such a relationship. The theological reasoning regarding educational provision within faith schools unfolds throughout the article. Final comments include considerations for the future expansion of faith-based schools in system-driven educational environments.