I was pleased to read the acknowledgement that pupils at faith schools develop into autonomous thinkers. I would not for one moment question that assertion, but I do want to put the record straight on the funding of schools with a religious character. The British taxpayers include millions of people of faith, and faith groups routinely pay 10 per cent of the capital costs of VA schools with a religious character. In the case of Catholic schools, we are subsidising the education of the 30 per cent in our schools who are not Catholic - a service to society.

Oona Stannard, Chief executive and director, Catholic Education Service.