Catholic schools

The government has decided not to lift the cap that prevents new free faith schools selecting more than half their pupils on the basis of religion. Rather than being an anti-Catholic move, surely the decision is about countering the impact of faith-based free schools that are inclined to be monocultural and inward-looking. The fear of religious fundamentalism and radicalisation probably stands behind the decision. Pivotal is the fact that voluntary aided schools are required to follow the National Curriculum. Free schools are not.