Why aren't there any humanist schools?

Faced with the proliferation of faith-based schools this is a question that humanists often ask.

The primary answer is this:

• Because the BHA campaigns positively for integrated inclusive schools for children of all faiths and none.  It would be no less ethically unsound and socially divisive to set up overtly humanist schools in a pluralistic society than it is to set up religious schools.

Here are some further answers:

• Because there are too few families who define themselves as humanist, and they are scattered across the country. How many humanist families are there in your LEA? Enough to create demand for a primary or secondary school? There are, of course, plenty of non-religious families, who just want good education and moral values for their children, but no evidence that they want separate humanist schools. Indeed, even families that define themselves as humanist do not want humanist shools – like most parents they just want good schools.
• Because faith groups currently (usually) have to put up 10% of capital costs of schools.  The BHA does not have this kind of money.  Do you or your local humanist group? Most minority religious schools have started life as private schools in areas where they have many members – this requires a wealthy patron or entrepreneur willing to set one up, or considerable commitment from volunteers, parents and teachers. Some faith schools are set up by taking over an existing school, sometimes a less successful or unpopular school. This is the cheapest option - is there a school in your area ripe for a takeover?
• Because, in fact, many community schools are more or less humanist in their ethos and values. If the BHA had its way and collective worship was ended and RE became universally objective, fair and balanced (and included Humanism), community schools would indeed be humanist in all but name, open and accommodating to all.  Religious faith would be a private matter for families and communities, to be accommodated but not supported or favoured by the state and its schools.  The BHA respects human rights and has no objection to optional worship or optional religious instruction.

Outside of the UK and in specific contexts, exceptions may be found to this reasoning.  Humanist schools in Uganda, for example, are supported by many British Humanists.  See "Humanist Charities?" on the page Good Causes and Charities.