If attendance at a church school is compulsory, I wouldn't agree with that, either. That's a recipe for mediocrity, not to mention that it's unfair to force religion on those who do not wish to practice it.

Yet Joe, that's the de facto situation. 90% of National (=primary) education is in the hands of the school. In many areas that will mean that there is no choice. I don't have the figures for secondary schools but the de facto situation in the area where I live is again not one of choice. Enrolment of pupils will only be accepted by the various schools if the parents sign a declaration they will support and subscribe to the schools' catholic ethos. At this point my son is in college, there again the school is very clear about the 'ethos' they follow.

Yes, mediocrity. And that's an understatement.

There are attempts by the government to have 50% of catholic schools as they exist change to a non religious management in order to provide choice for parents. The process is slow, as I said, the church is not eager to loosen the reins.