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.

And in addition:

• Because many community schools are more or less humanist in their ethos and values. If collective worship was ended and RE became universally objective, fair and balanced (and included non-religious views such as Humanism), community schools would indeed be humanist in all but name - open and accommodating to all.

Religious faith is 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.