Author: Alastair Lichten

NI education conference shows cause for secularist hope

NI education conference shows cause for secularist hope

The National Secular Society recently held an online conference on inclusive education in Northern Ireland. Here,... Read More »

CofE plans to increase influence in post-16 education smack of hubris

CofE plans to increase influence in post-16 education smack of hubris

The Church of England's emerging plans to expand their role in sixth form and further education colleges, accompanied... Read More »

A government blueprint for more religious control of schools?

A government blueprint for more religious control of schools?

The government's new proposals for education reform in England could see increased discrimination, and most non-faith... Read More »

Religious selection is only part of the problem with faith schools

Religious selection is only part of the problem with faith schools

Ending religious discrimination in faith school admissions is an important first step – but it will not undo... Read More »

Remove religious gatekeepers from school admissions

Remove religious gatekeepers from school admissions

Faith-based selection forces families' religiosity to be assessed, compels conformity, and undermines everyone's freedom... Read More »

Why is the Catholic church allowed to hinder secondary school choice?

Why is the Catholic church allowed to hinder secondary school choice?

A case in Leicestershire shows the mess faith groups make of admissions and why secular accountability is necessary,... Read More »

Girl at school gates

Locked in and locked out: how faith schools restrict families’ choices

State funding of faith schools means many families are left without suitable schools. The narrative that faith schools... Read More »

Children in class

Will the government protect the ethos of secular schools?

The Department for Education's protections for the secular community ethos of non-faith academies are inadequate.... Read More »

Children in class

Schools must be supported against religious bullies

Comments from Ofsted's chief inspector highlight the need to help schools resist efforts to shut down teaching which... Read More »

Teenager in class

Requires improvement: Ofsted review shows need for a major rethink on RE

A review has highlighted significant problems with the way RE is taught. Alastair Lichten argues that it shows the... Read More »

Children in class

Is the C of E ashamed of discrimination in school admissions?

Research suggests the Church of England downplays the extent of religious discrimination in admissions to the schools... Read More »

Child praying worship school

Mandated worship can never be inclusive

Church of England guidance which aims to promote an 'inclusive' form of collective worship in schools misses the point... Read More »

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Progress towards inclusive integrated education in NI is still too slow

The last few months have seen mixed successes in efforts, supported by the No More Faith Schools campaign, to move... Read More »

Coats on pegs primary school

We must find the political will to end discriminatory school admissions

As families in England prepare to find out which primary schools their children will attend, Alastair Lichten says... Read More »

Welsh Senedd

Ending compulsory worship in schools should be next on the agenda for Wales

Following major curriculum reforms in Wales, Alastair Lichten argues that the Senedd should now turn its attention... Read More »

Northern Ireland education review inclusion children at school

NI’s education review is a golden chance to take a stand for inclusion

Alastair Lichten says a review of education provision in Northern Ireland must be willing to challenge entrenched... Read More »

Christian nationalism in US Capitol riot

Christian nationalism is a key part of Trump’s legacy

As the US presidency changes hands, Alastair Lichten argues that understanding Christian nationalism is essential... Read More »

How faith schools are spreading without scrutiny or consultation

How faith schools are spreading without scrutiny or consultation

The National Secular Society campaign works to promote inclusive community ethos alternatives to faith schools. An... Read More »

Is Northern Ireland set to move away from religious segregation in schools?

Is Northern Ireland set to move away from religious segregation in schools?

Northern Ireland has long been a byword for the problems with segregated, faith-based education. There are good reasons... Read More »

Child praying

The requirement to hold collective worship in schools is crumbling and not worth saving

After two parents forced a school trust to provide an alternative to religious assemblies for their children, Alastair... Read More »

_Alicja_ from Pixabay

If we want a tolerant Scotland, let’s educate children together

Research into sectarian attitudes by the University of Glasgow's school of education has added to the growing debate... Read More »

RE symbols and pupils

This isn’t the time to end the right to withdraw from RE in Wales

The Welsh government is considering removing the parental right to withdraw from religious education. Alastair Lichten... Read More »

School sign

Education in NI shouldn’t be a tug of war between religious interests

A report has called into question religious control over the curriculum and ethos of Northern Irish schools. Alastair... Read More »

Department for Education

Anti-RSE campaigns: guidance is welcome, but schools need more support

The government has published new guidance for schools facing disruption from religious groups who oppose LGBT-inclusive... Read More »

Teachers increasingly oppose faith schools and the discrimination they cause

Teachers increasingly oppose faith schools and the discrimination they cause

Research shows a majority of teachers supporting an end to new faith schools and a huge majority favouring an end... Read More »