Forums Forums Wirral Information Wirral Council Removal of transport support for catholic schools

My son brought a letter home from school it said that W.B.C. are having a consultation about stopping travel support to catholic schools. There's only four catholic schools in Wirral so some pupils have to travel some distance so buses are provided and the fare is reasonable cheaper than Arriva.This wont affect Academy Community or Church of England schools.Seems to me it's discrimination on Catholics wanting their children to have a catholic education

Its a bit rediculous to claim discrimination as the other schools you mentioned dont get assisted travel if they wish to travel to the school of their choice, to play devils advocate and hyperthetically speaking what if muslims claimed the same considerations? if you look at it another way is it not the other schools that are at a disadvantage getting no help?

Incorrect

"Wirral children who live more than 3 miles from their Secondary school will continue to receive this support if it is their nearest school." ONLY Catholic schools are to lose the travel concessions.

Do you still think this action is fair

Cannot understand why there would be this diffentiation.

However, if this is so it is morally wrong and the same definitions should be applied to all involved schools.

Leeds Council and probably others, are doing the same thing. Who starts the ball rolling is anyones guess, it would appear that all policies mostly, cover all councils now, despite the so called democratic local elections.
Probably the Diocese has something to do with the decissions made for the faith schools.

How many C of E secondary schools are there in Wirral ? To my knowledge there are not any.

Get rid of religious schools full stop! They just divide children up with silly indoctrination. If parents want their children to have a religious education then they should organise it themselves in the evenings or on the weekend.
This is one cut I fully support.

Going to a Roman Catholic school is a free choice is it not? It is not compulsory, last I heard...

If you go to a school of your own choice (Roman Catholic or not) then why should you expect the taxpayers to subsidize your bus transport to it for you?

Perhaps you'd like to have your cake and eat it, too?

Yes splendid idea bring all catholic children into state system and save taxpayers money. I think not!! get your facts straight the catholic community provide the school buildings and pay for a substantial part of the maintenance.
If the Catholic Church pulls out of education there will be significant increases in both income and council tax.
The reality that there are not enough places in Wirral schools to accomodate all the catholic children should parents decide that they cannot afford the fares.
All catholic children do not get free travel it is the same as everybody else if they live 3 miles away from school they get free transport otherwise they pay the same as eveybody else.

Two points here.

1. Wirral MBC will still support transport for pupils travelling over 3 miles to their nearest school. They will not provide support if the school in question is not their nearest.

2. Rossie - if you can provide figures to back up your claim that would be appreciated. As far as I can see, St Anselms and other schools are already in the state sector, and I am unsure what you mean by 'the catholic community provide the school buildings'. Do you mean that the school buildings are actually owned by the Catholic Church and only lent to the schools?

Even if this is the case, I would be willing to pay more tax to have a secular education for children where their heads are not filled with silly nonsense about mythical sky-fairies. Or at least also teach them that Santa Claus is real too!

I would like you, Touchstone, to give your basis for your sweeping statement about indoctrination. I think we would all be interested to hear your background in religious education and your extensive research into it.

Faith schools produce better results than mainstream schools, both nationally, but on the Wirral the difference is even more obvious if you would care to look at the Ofsted reports or the league tables for Wirral.

Faith schools are more popular now than ever (especially on Wirral) with many over-subscribed. In the round of school closures on Wirral 5 or 6 years ago, you will have noticed that none of them were faith schools.

I am not criticising non-faith schools, as I have worked in one for a long time, however I am not prepared to let people make sweeping comments about faith schools that tar everybody with the same brush.

I am happy to enter into a mature debate only...I wonder if that's what I'll get?

Ever since The Web started it was said, never discuss religion or politics. Too many people get upset one way or another.

St Anselms College is owned by Christian Brothers order and Upton Hall School is owned by another religious order and pay a % of maintenance. Other schools are owned by the diocese.
Catholic parishes pay a % of maintenance

Sorry I don't have exact breakdown of figures.

Tut,tut,Touchstone. The faith schools do actually have a higher standard of education than the state schools. Which to my mind, means that it is possible to raise the standards in the state schools. Until then, maybe people can choose where they would like their children to be educated. To follow your line of thought would mean closure of Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Methodist and any other faith schools. That in itself, could possibly cause major issues within the state schools system.
Travel costs will probably be introduced, in the same manner, to all school children soon, which I feel is somewhat unfair in this area as children do still have a choice of school in this borough, according to exam results.Unlike other towns, where they all have go to the same school within walking distance. That I believe is where the troubles can start. All too close and cosy in school and out of school. Everybody knows everyone elses business, kids know who's mum has slept with who's dad, the respect is diminished within their own environment and those with issues make darn sure the ones who wish to get on, are humiliated or intimidated, into not doing so.

Nicely put Granny.

i know loads of people with kids at catholic schools...none of them go to church though...