Schools undoubtedly have a significant influence in the spiritual and moral development of all young people - for good or for ill. In this country Christians also have a long history of provision for schools for the education not only of their own children but also for children in general.
The Church of England which vacated much of secondary education after 1945 has now come to see that this was a mistake and is now ambitious to provide at least two Church secondary schools in every diocese.
There is recognition that many, although not all, church schools are academically successful and also provide an encouraging ethos which is underpinned by sound moral values. My own concern about the church school route is that it inevitably leads to an association and partnership with local education authorities some of which are, in my view, part of the problem. It is, however, good to see that among the first of the three City Academies recently announced there is to be an independent Church of England City Academy in Liverpool. There is no guarantee that the education provided in a church school will be distinctively Christian. This is a sad reality.
