Secular Primary Schools in the UK

[Knock-on]

St Marys CofE School was my grounding in Primary education. I only remember one Teacher who was called Mr McGovern. He used to pick me up by my hair, make me stand outside in the Winter with no shoes on and generally bully me. I also remember he was always nice to the pretty girls in the class and gave them sweets which he never offered the boys. At the time we were jealous but looking through the eyes of an adult, he was exhibiting prime predatory behaviour. All of this was known to the other Teachers but allowed to continue.

I don't know if things would have been different in a secular school but my experience has given me a rather negative opinion of religious schools. There is too much opportunity for abuse.

[BDunnell]

St Marys CofE School was my grounding in Primary education. I only remember one Teacher who was called Mr McGovern. He used to pick me up by my hair, make me stand outside in the Winter with no shoes on and generally bully me. I also remember he was always nice to the pretty girls in the class and gave them sweets which he never offered the boys. At the time we were jealous but looking through the eyes of an adult, he was exhibiting prime predatory behaviour. All of this was known to the other Teachers but allowed to continue.

I don't know if things would have been different in a secular school but my experience has given me a rather negative opinion of religious schools. There is too much opportunity for abuse.

Well, there are plenty of very friendly religious people out there. Take a look at the priest interviewed here — not scary or forbidding at all.

East Anglian Film Archive