IN response to Richard Scutt’s letter (June 6) regarding church schools’ admissions policies, he may wish to note the Wikipedia quote of – “A voluntary aided school is a state-funded school in England and Wales in which a foundation or trust (usually a religious organisation) owns the school buildings, contributes to building costs and has a substantial influence in the running of the school.

“Such schools have more autonomy than voluntary controlled schools, which are entirely funded by the state.”

The state funds the curriculum etc. I suspect that most readers who have a knowledge of schools know this and, those disapproving would apply to the state schools only.

His protest about the child missing a place at St Joseph’s is misplaced if, as was stated, the baptism certificate was not shown on application.

Having our child go through the church schools’ processes we were made fully aware that if parents are applying as practising believers they do produce proof in order to have the first preference or take their turn in the game of high application numbers for good schools.

As part of the community he speaks about – church members know that their gifts contribute to the churches building schools for their children to attend and that they then also widen their offerings into the community by inviting other children to join them regardless of beliefs. Is this not inclusiveness?

Does he think that the public taxpayer should pay and provide for all school buildings whatever they may feel about it, or does he look the churches’ gift horse in the mouth?

They are taxpayers too but who have chosen to pay over and above by donating more money to the state in this provision of schools – a charitable deed.

MARILYN YOUNGER, Burcombe Road, Kinson