Swimming Against the Tide: The New Independent Christian Schools and Their Teenage Pupils

This book addresses an issue of considerable current interest and importance: what is and what should be the role of religion in the education process of a modern, secular society? The subject is tackled through an indepth investigation of a recently established network of small independent Christian schools. First, the controversy itself is examined: what are the arguments for and against faith-based schools in the unique setting of the United Kingdom? Subsequently, the schools themselves are introduced and the key issues are described in detail. The focus then shifts to the teenage population of the schools. Who are these young people? How do they think and what do they believe? These questions are answered by analysing the results of an extensive survey and, where possible, comparisons are made with the attitudes and beliefs of the wider population of British teenagers. The findings show that the young people in the new Christian schools hold different values from many of their peers, and it is argued that the differences are of a positive rather than a negative nature.

Following an early career in biological research, Sylvia Baker entered education and worked as a science teacher for twenty-seven years. In 2010, she completed a PhD in Education at the University of Warwick. She continues to conduct research into the interplay between faith and education, with a particular interest in science education. She is currently a Visiting Research Fellow at Glyndwr University.