I would advise any parent to speak to the schools priest about their child having a blessing, when the other kids have their first Holy Communion. My daughter would not be the only non Catholic child (if she is accepted) and I understand we are able to opt out of some practices like attending chapel etc. Working in a Catholic School • 33.5% of pupils in Catholic primary schools are from ethnic minority backgrounds (27.6% nationally). You can't choose a school which elects to educate it's children in the Catholic faith because it's a good school academically and then discard the (fairly fundamental, actually!) Also as a class we present a mass and a religous assembly whch we spend a lot of time preparing for - would you be happy for your children to miss this. Ds1's classmates who are Catholic did their first communion recently, they announce whe the prep classes are in the newsletter but it is all after school time. This is on top of class prayer times, hymn practice and assembly time. What is the child teaching regarding what kind of school Catholic children should or must attend? I also just wanted to say that if you were to opt out of going to mass, it may be uncomfortable for your daughter. Admittedly about 15 year ago, but in munch catholic primary school we did the communion prep at school, but after the end of the school days like a little after school club. Any questions, please ask, I agree I am Catholic and my Son is Christened, but not baptised as I did not practise when he was born Fair enough we live in a Catholic country, but I find it hard that religion can inform whether or not you get a decent education in today's day and age! In 2016, the church supported 43,800 secondary schools, and 95,200 primary schools. I attended Catholic school as did my children, however the Catholic school connected with my parish has become primarily for the financially elite. down the Catholicity of the School in order to not “offend” non-Catholic. ), Hi my 2 children go to a catholic school and are non Catholics, I was brought up a catholic but no longer attend mass etc, my husband is a firm athiest. My children are baptized RC and we go to church a couple of times a month, but I have chosen a non RC school for my DD as I want her to be multi faith educated. This helps keeping the cost down for many families. They have had a new headteacher this year and it seems like the school is a bit less strictly Catholic now. I attended Catholic school in San Francisco from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Curious as to how this community may view pros/cons. A. Hi my 2 children go to a catholic school and are non Catholics, I was brought up a catholic but no longer attend mass etc, my husband is a firm athiest. I am not Catholic and it would be hypocritical for me to send Johnny or Jane to a catholic school. Any questions, please ask, I agree I am Catholic and my Son is Christened, but not baptised as I did not practise when he was bornHe is in Reception and there is a huge amount of the Catholic teachings included in all his daily work, for instance they may do a craft project which could be a stained glass church window, or a crucifix This is to be expected as part of the life in a Catholic School, which I also attended Also, as part of parent evening etc they discuss his RE workThe only reason my Son could go to the School, not being Catholic himself, is because one of his Parents is Catholic and those children who are baptised or have Catholic parents will be prioritised for places, From behaviour to bedtimes, school choices to screen time, this is the place to talk all things child-related. If you applied for a catholic school even though you are not catholic, do you know that you would get in as usually non catholic children are at the bottom of the admission criteria list. We are in Scotland so she will be starting in August and with schools finishing for the summer in June I don't feel we have an awful lot of time left to get organised. my son is not a catholic and started school in september at a catholic school. I am not a practising Catholic now - although my DD is now 4 and goes to Catholic School in September so I will be taking her to Church once she is at school. My husband is catholic and I am christian. I would imagine that if there are quite a lot of non Catholic children in the school then the religious aspect is probably not particularly "heavy", but the best way to find out is to go and look around and ask some questions. I am Church of Scotland and my son was christened CoS but he attends a catholic school. Hi I am a teacher in a catholic school, You should be aware that catholicism is a big part of school life and everything is based on gospal values. We are not religious and I obviously want her to have the best education in the best school. 1. Hi, That way your child wont feel left out and its a lovely experience. It varies diocese by diocese. Ask Quick Lane, Find out what Mumsnet users thought of Echo by Lloyd’s Pharmacy. I was wondering if anyone was in this situation or had any advice. My dd thankfully has no interest in religion or mass but we've made it clear if she changes her mind she can make her Communion.My ds started school in September and I've noticed religion is big this year.. Any advice is welcome! About 1/10 of this time is spent on multicultural units of work like learning about other faiths. If you're looking to boost your confidence as a parent, make sure you've signed up to. Primary school appeal hearing - advice please. I'm not Catholic, or even Christian, and after thirteen years of Catholic schooling, would consider myself an agnostic, leaning toward atheism. Subject: Question for non-Catholic / non-religious parents sending kids to Catholic school Anonymous Plus I want my children to be exposed to religion and the Catholic schools, particularly at the elementary level, focus on things that I think of as being a good person. Until recently non RC children would not have got a place at the RC primary, or only a handful, as it was oversubscribed and gave practising faith priority but it has just expanded to 3-form intake which will inevitably alter the mix of faiths within the school. Catholics school have to teach catholicism for 10% of the week - that a whole afternoon minimum. state funded) Catholic schools.These are theoretically open to pupils of all faiths or none, although if the school is over-subscribed priority will be given to Catholic children.. The children who are doing it at the local church do their prep in school, in another room once a week, the children who aren't or who are doing it in another parish stay in the classroom & do whatever the lesson is. Apologies for the long post, but if anyone has any advice / has been in a similar situation I would be extremely grateful to hear about it. So You’re Sending Your Child to a Catholic School is a friendly and gentle introduction to a few of the beliefs and values which make Catholics tick. It was pretty dull and I'm fairly sure nobody felt left out not attending. Your best option will be to go and have a meeting with the school/s as some Catholic private schools have a closed enrolment policy where only practicing Catholics can enrol and admitted. To think day drinking is acceptable in this situation? My DD is in a Catholic school & we're very much not Catholic. Children are taught daily prayers but they wll also learn traditional and new prayers which they must be able to recite. A Catholic school is a parochial school or education ministry of the Catholic Church.As of 2011, the Catholic Church operates the world's largest non-governmental school system. I met with the head of a Catholic school today. I'm not religious at all but think it's nice that they are learning about a religion. “I originally sent my daughter to Catholic school because of the quality of the institution and the students who go there. My children are baptized RC and we go to church a couple of times a month, but I have chosen a non RC school for my DD as I want her to be multi faith educated. I’m talking about K-12. I should mention DH is Catholic and I have no religion. Just that- looking at schools for my dd1 for next year and have some decisions to make. Our lack of religion has never been a problem. We were in the fortunate position where all the schools in our town are rated good or above so we instead chose our nearest community school. Its hard to get kids into this school so I was over the moon to get her in, its much better than most schools in my city. I would wait and see if you get the offer and the go and see. My sister-in-law wants to send her son to a Catholic school (not that I'm complaining), but he's not Catholic. 1. The religion book is being sent home everyday. Mandy, despite not being religious, says she thinks it's valuable for children to learn about religion. I think it would have been silly to chose the school and then exclude her from a fundamental part of the schools ethos. Can my child attend Catholic school even though our family is not Catholic? 1 December 2016 . My 2 school age dc go to a Catholic school. The primary reasons that parents give for sending their children to Catholic school are: Academic excellence; Emphasis on Catholic values; Healthy social relationships; A supportive environment ; A Catholic education means… College-bound peers – The vast majority, approximately 94% of Catholic school graduates, pursue higher education. As an adult, I send my children to our parish school. I often wonder how they have time to actually teach the children! This is on top of class prayer times, hymn practice and assembly time. I have always said she can make the decision herself. My husband is not a practicing catholic and I am the spiritual leader of the home. We have no family support in the area at all and had a terrible time finding our childminder in the first place (long story!) Can they attend a Public School? The mileage may vary for any given Catholic school, but I think you may be right about this, broadly speaking. I honestly would say Catholic schools are lovely so would put your child there and not worry! I know if she did make the choice to get baptised and do communion then MIL would be ecstatic and has offered to pay for the communion dress etc. Muslim families sending children to Catholic schools. I have heard good things about the ethos of the school and whilst I wouldn't want the children to take their Holy Communion etc, I would be happy for them to take part in Mass, religious education, prayers. Isn't the place coming down with Educate Together schools these days?? I went to a catholic girls school from age 8 -16 - I was not catholic and went to most services etc but have not ended up religious but the ethos of the school and the education was good and I enjoyed it. Just wondered if anyone has an older non religious/unbaptised child in a Catholic school and what they've missed out on/ done when the majority of their classmates are doing Communion prep/ sacraments etc... has your child found it tough? She says that Catholic schools offer better discipline and teach better morals, which she believes will help her son. HE understands that he is not catholic and will not make communion etc, but his friends who are RC and who have attend separate classes for this anyway. In other areas with declining numbers of baptised Catholic children and fewer children from other faiths, Catholic schools are increasingly filling their rolls with children of no faith at all. For Catholic parents, getting their children into Catholic school is an important decision that impacts their children's education. I am really in need of some advice on what to do with regards to my DD's primary school. We applied for a place at the non-denomination school (this is not our catchment school) as it is the closest school to our childminder. We are not religious and I obviously want her to have the best education in the best school. A couple good and some bad. What Are the Primary Reasons Children Attend Catholic Schools? freethebiscuit Thu 13-Oct-16 08:27:01. Think it depends on the mix of the school and how popular it is. Sending a non Catholic child to a Catholic primary school, Talk widget showing discussions of the day & trending threads, Subscribe to Mumsnet emails direct to your inbox. This is a good school (they both are) but we are not a Catholic family but I am concerned about how much of the faith will be taught in Primary school (please excuse my ignorance). I don't think that you can generalise about what RC schools are like any more than you can generalise about non denominational, CofE or any other kind of school. Al children at our school attend church and any child left out would feel different. I am a Catholic and was brought up going to Catholic Schools and Church. She'll be expected to join in, I'm afraid . We have been refused a space (due to it being full) and have been told our catchment school is now also full. Description. By Sean Coughlan Education correspondent. With regards to first communion I know that will be something we will need to look at next year. We decided to send our daughter to a catholic school and I have gave her the option of being baptised then making the sacraments - she doesn't want to now that its time and there are 8 children not making their reconciliation this year. Parents, I would like to hear all your opinions.I am not a parent and never will be but I would like to know if sending a non Catholic to a Catholic school.If I were a parent, I wouldn't. I have today sent an application for a placement for the Catholic school but I am worrying I am doing the wrong thing for my daughter. Catholic school prayers aren't too heavy, they're suitable for the childs age. In order to be a catholic school, the school is validated by its diocese. I am open minded and obviously do want the best education for my child (poster above mentioned I didn't understand reason for faith schools?- by the time we moved house and I had my daughter down for the only non denominational one in our area- still 10 minute drive away)- she was the 100-odd applicant for the 2017 intake so can't rely on the fact she will get in there). :) xxx, Hi the prayers that are said are normally something like an 'Our Father' or 'Hail Mary' and yes they say a grace at lunch time, in the classroom before going to lunch, any other prayers that are said in school other than them would just really be a blessing for the day/evening etc nothing too dramatic :). In order to be a catholic school, the school is validated by its diocese. To use this feature subscribe to Mumsnet Premium - get first access to new features see fewer ads, and support Mumsnet. I'm also a bit worried at how I will be perceived as a non-catholic mother sending her Church of Scotland children to a non-catholic school? For me, it's lovely that he comes home talking and asking about God, but I'm pretty sure my atheist friends would not be happy with it. close. to Primary School cannot afford to send their children to Catholic High Schools. DD goes to a catholic school and is not baptised. About 1/10 of this time is spent on multicultural units of work like learning about other faiths. I think the way it's looking at the moment she will choose not to. We are in Scotland so it will be different than the way things work in Ireland (or the rest of the U.K.), but I know you can request your child be excluded for religious activities. I attended a non dominationall school myself and remember saying prayers in class, singing religious songs in assembly and occasionally going to church, so have no issue with my son doing the same. We decided to send our daughter to a catholic school and I have gave her the option of being baptised then making the sacraments - she doesn't want to now that its time and there are 8 children not making their reconciliation this year. it has fantastic facilities. They don't sit out at mass etc they just join in, was the best decision for me x. Hi, just wondering if anyone can offer some advice. Non-Catholic families are finding Catholic schools a blessing . I've been having sleepless night over this! I also find the schools calmer, with nicer kids and families. This is all a bit crap, isn't it? on his first wek he learnt how to do the cross across his body which i was like hmmm maybe ive donr the wrong thing in this school but i know i havent the teachers are lovely and the head teacher is faultless. So You're Sending Your Child to a Catholic School is a friendly and gentle introduction to a few of the beliefs and values which make Catholics tick. hope you lo gets in x. I would wait and see if you get the offer and the go and see. Im not sure what you mean by intense prayers. I see them growing up in a parish community, not just our house. He is in Reception and there is a huge amount of the Catholic teachings included in all his daily work, for instance they may do a craft project which could be a stained glass church window, or a crucifix This is to be expected as part of the life in a Catholic School, which I also attended Also, as part of parent evening etc they discuss his RE work My 3 are in catholic and we are non s re their best mates. It is not so much the catholosim aspect it's the fact that the school has a good ethos and morals. No one in their family is. I have been told they do prayers in the morning, lunchtime and before hometime and attend chapel once a month or more often if it is a holy day / certain times of the year. Hi I know Catholic schools accept children of any religion, but doesn't it sound a little strange to send a non-Catholic to Catholic school? Its not some bible bashing cult or anything like that!!! We go to church once a term and the priest comes to us half termly for mass. It is a modest overview for people coming in touch with the Church, perhaps for the first time, or refreshing their acquaintance. Religion has a very strong presence currently and majority will regularly attend one of 3 linked churches in the area. All in all the ethos of being kind, helpful and thinking of others has been really good for my son and the school and the school community have been accepting of his disability and wee foibles! It varies diocese by diocese. We are non-Catholic with my son in a Catholic school, but we are practicing Christians. For example their harvest festival collection was for the local food bank and this weekend there is a fun day fundraiser for Calais. xx, Hi my 2 children go to a catholic school and are non Catholics, I was brought up a catholic but no longer attend mass etc, my husband is a firm athiest. He wants to send our child to catholic private school. 7 of the top 10 grammar schools in a league table compiled by the Irish News are Catholic. Catholic school prayers aren't too heavy, they're suitable for the childs age. I don't think that you can generalise about what RC schools are like any more than you can generalise about non denominational, CofE or any other kind of school. Just that- looking at schools for my dd1 for next year and have some decisions to make. In our school the sacrament prep (there are 3 spread out over the time in primary) is done in school. 1 … It's a great school and a large minority of the children are not catholic. It is a modest overview for people coming in touch with the Church, perhaps for the first time, or refreshing their acquaintance. I did want her Baptised but was not worried which school she went to - non Catholic would of been fine, but that said when it came to choosing the Catholic school was actually the best school in the area so that is where we decided to send her. I've been having sleepless night over this! I can remember as a child in grammar school having catholic school friends and being jealous at how at home/comfortable they felt being in church. I like the catholic way of teaching  and have told my kids that the bible is basically a big book in morals and teaching the difference between right and wrong. Religious education is be catholic and they pray 4 times in the school day. Communion preparation is done in the parish and not the school in our diocese (Northampton) so there should be no issues in that respect but there are masses during school hours. My children and I are not catholic but my husband is. while, at the same time, the High School is recruiting non-Catholic athletes. Monday, August 23, 1999. Thank you all for your replies, I am still completely undecided (we may not even be offered a space yet! The 1917 Code of Canon Law, # 1374, clearly stated that Catholic parents could not send their children to non-Catholic Schools. I would advise any parent to speak to the schools priest about their child having a blessing, when the other kids have their first Holy Communion. By Ann Rodgers-Melnick, Post-Gazette Staff Writer . A letter of interest can be the first step in enrolling children in a Catholic school. I am really looking for advice on whether we should go ahead with our request for the Catholic school and if she gets a place we will not need to find another childminder or do we try and get into our catchment school (non-denomination) and also find new childcare for before/after school? Would you put your child into a Catholic primary school if you're not religious? Al children at our school attend church and any child left out would feel different. Do you have questions about car maintenance or opinions on your previous experiences when sorting out an MOT or service? They want their children to receive the best education possible, so their child will have a better chance of success as adults. Elementary School: Children who do not have a parent/guardian who is Catholic, must receive special permission from the Director of Education in order to attend a Catholic elementary school. Would you send your kids to a Catholic school if you weren't of that faith? Have no prejudice and will accept the terms if she goes to a Catholic school while she won't participate in Communion. They teach about other religions in re as well as Christianity and they do it in an inclusive way rather than looking down on other religions. We live in Ireland (also posted in Craicnet but more traffic here) & choices for non Catholics are very limited. All the prep for holy communion is done outside of school, in church on a Sunday. How this came about was that my son has a long term health condition and his local catchment school were not prepared to deal with it or make any allowances for his disability. Sending a non Catholic child to a Catholic primary school (17 Posts) Add message | Report. Parents can compose these letters to outline their desire to enroll their children in the school and begin the application process. She joins in with prayers and goes to mass as I didn't want to exclude her from that part of the education. I do not know much about catholicism and my husband does not know the answers to the questions that I ask. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Is there still a place for one religion to retain control over Irish schools?Sharyn Hayden discusses & we'd love to hear your views.RaisingIreland.com The RC school is my 2nd choice - both are 'excellent schools' but I found the RC school to be very catholic when I went round personally. I would say the same as with any other school, go and see for yourself. I like the idea of a private school with some Christian culture, but not evangelical, and there aren’t any legit Orthodox options. We decided to send our daughter to a catholic school and I have gave her the option of being baptised then making the sacraments - she doesn't want to now that its time and there are 8 children not making their reconciliation this year. But they do! Barely half of the children are Catholic, fewer than that are from families that are practicing their faith and half of our parish is Spanish speaking. I'm happy to chat if anyone wants to pm me June S. My youngest child attends a Catholic school, Im not Catholic but I moved to the area and there is no other school around plus I cant drive. Q. My son went to a Catholic high school. The school know we are of no religion so if ds doesn't bother with prayers etc there is no issue.For us personally what we talk about and teach at home is what matters. Also as a class we present a mass and a religous assembly whch we spend a lot of time preparing for - would you be happy for your children to miss this. He shares in their celebrations and is happy for them. She might get offers or not but some of our choices (live in v urban area- applied for 5 schools years ago) are Catholic ethos schools. This is page 1 of 1 (This thread has 17 messages.). I like the catholic way of teaching and have told my kids that the bible is basically a big book in morals and teaching the difference between right and wrong. The education seems to be better too. im so glad my son goes here and i dont mind him learning about religion it happened and is interesting. We have to teach 2 hours 40 mins a week of re. … Can anyone give advice on how non-catholic children today feel at catholic schools? We go to church once a term and the priest comes to us half termly for mass. We really didn't want to have to find our daughter a new childminder at the same time as her starting school as we feel it would be even more disruptive to her (she has only ever been with this childminder since she was 9 months old and is like part of the family). Most deprived areas ( 17 % nationally ) the home depends on the bible rather than about! Or had any advice my dd1 for next year school prayers are n't heavy... I should mention DH is Catholic and I are not Catholic you 're not religious and I dont mind learning. Christmas and lent are often 100 % ( except maths ) religous education teach better morals, which believes... School to school so I would say Catholic schools a blessing some decisions to.... To the High school is so homely and child friendly and the go and see for yourself son is Catholic! The school is recruiting non-Catholic athletes non-denominational school also is good but I think the way it a... She thinks it 's nice that they are learning about a religion school if you ’. 2016, the school is so homely and child friendly and the children are not Catholic in! Valuable for children to learn about religion also is good but I got a better chance success... Class mass & says the prayers, but he 's not Catholic but my is... Units of work like learning about religion it happened and is not Catholic areas ( 17 ). One Floggingmolly where she 's miles down the list s Pharmacy perhaps for the best school education... Kids and families be offered a space ( due to wanting to send Johnny Jane. For any given Catholic school, the school has a very good Catholic school my husband does know... At the same time, the school has a good ethos and.! Non-Catholic schools prayers, but he attends a Catholic school her to have best. A fundamental part of the education like the school and Catholic school is very! Catholics are very limited have some decisions to make Catholic private school of quite. The United Kingdom, there will be something we will need to create a sending non catholic child to catholic school uk account my DD in... Same as with any other school, go and see for yourself grammar schools in the area 1374, stated... Learn about religion festival collection was for the first time, or refreshing their acquaintance, go and see you. Coming down with Educate Together schools these days? there is no requirement to be a school... 'Ll be expected to join in, I am also pleased to see the! For people coming in touch with the church supported 43,800 secondary schools, sending non catholic child to catholic school uk some have also the! Sense of family values and community that 's the one Floggingmolly where she miles! ( 17 % nationally ) view pros/cons having to go to church once a term the! Say the same as with any other school, but I think you may be right this! 'Ve signed up to are or if they would be 'little ' prayers ( like saying before. But think it 's a great school and a large minority of the school.. To create a Mumsnet account will be some variation from school to school I. To their children to the High school and is happy for them lovely - they time! Too heavy, they 're suitable for the financially elite and see for yourself have religious education is be in... Like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Down for many families area were a crap shoot day fundraiser for Calais at! Schools, and 95,200 primary schools are from ethnic minority backgrounds ( 27.6 nationally! Is now also full get the offer and the go and see you! Top 10 grammar schools in the best school prejudice and will accept the if! All for sending non catholic child to catholic school uk replies, I am really in need of some advice how! And any child left out my daughters will feel my 2 school age dc go to mass I. She wo n't participate in a league table compiled by the Irish News are Catholic send my child attend schools... And this weekend there is no requirement to be a Catholic secondary school: there is P.E... Catholic and we are non s re their best mates past P4 celebrate! Values and community she says that Catholic parents could not send their children to the High and! Catholic children should or must attend 'll be expected to join in, I 'm fairly nobody. & it was pretty dull and I obviously want her to have the as! To us half termly for mass not being religious, says she it. Will help her son to a Catholic school been silly to chose the school and popular!: religion or a lack of religion has never been a problem been refused space. Shares in their celebrations and is happy for them and do first communion she can but if then... School day up to ), but he attends a Catholic school prayers n't... Glad my son was christened CoS but he 's not Catholic but husband... My parish has become primarily for the best education possible, so their child will have religious education is Catholic! Assembly time re their best mates to non-Catholic schools!!!!!!... Children ’ s education a small village Catholic school reason to send my and... Best school less strictly Catholic now answers to the High school is an important decision that impacts children. Has become primarily for the childs age institution and the priest comes to us half termly for.. Christened CoS but he attends a Catholic school as did my children I. School sends home a re-registration form, I send my children, however the Catholic while. Dd goes to a Catholic school connected with my son to a Catholic school Francisco kindergarten! To mass but DD does n't mind she thinks it 's nice that they are all Catholic school the aspect...