The intended audience is general rather than scholarly (but extensive explanatory notes are provided for those who may wish to pursue the basis for the propositions put forward). The context is the diminishing understanding and practice of religion in an English society that is sometimes sceptical about the Church’s presence within the educational system. It is hoped that the case being made will be of particular interest to School Governors, teachers and all those who value Catholic schools in particular, and church schools generally.

Most importantly, it seeks to provide a summary of supportive arguments for the Catholic sector that may be of use to those whose task it is to present the case for Catholic schools in their local circumstances to others who may not have much sympathy with the existing dual system as seen from the perspective of voluntary sector providers.