ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an historical perspective of religious schooling in England and Wales, highlighting the role of the clergy in establishing academic institutions based on Christian and Jewish lines, and the use of government funds to support their development. It presents an important historical context in which to set issue of religious education and for understanding the policy to further expand this category of school. The chapter explores the origins of mass education and the role of the church in initiating formal education for all children. It discusses the issue of differentiation within faith-based schools in terms of philosophies of education and community support. Educational provision in England and Wales was established on denominational lines dating back to the Middle Ages and faith-based groups have continued to perpetuate the tradition. The discussion so far has concerned the development of Church of England schools in general, but it would be a mistake to see Christian faith-based schools as a homogeneous group.
