Your child and their school: 4 ways Christian parents can raise faithful children in a secular school

“Is my child’s school going to be supportive of our family’s Christian faith?”

“How do I respond when topics are taught that I believe go against Biblical truth?”

“Should we consider homeschooling?”

If you’ve found yourself wrestling with questions like these, you’re not alone.

In today’s increasingly secular landscape, it’s no surprise that Christian parents across the UK are growing increasingly concerned about what their children encounter in the classroom. From lessons on sexuality and gender identity to shifts in moral thinking, the pressure on Christian families to stay grounded in their faith feels stronger than ever. So what’s the right response? And how can we help our children thrive at school without compromising their beliefs and relationship with Jesus?

Let’s turn to Scripture.

Ready, Respectful, and Rooted

In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter is writing to Christians scattered amongst a pagan world, encouraging believers to be ready to defend their hope in Christ, but not with hostility or defensiveness. He writes: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

This verse is more than a personal challenge; it’s a roadmap for how we can prepare our children to live faithfully in environments that may not share their beliefs. Peter is encouraging us to be ready; to be on a front footing. And he does this in two ways. Firstly, in what followers of Jesus are to say: to be ready to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”. Followers of Jesus are encouraged to think through why they follow Jesus and to be ready to communicate it with others. But secondly, Peter instructs his readers how to say what they say, i.e. the manner in which they communicate: “do this with gentleness and respect”. Followers of Jesus are to exemplify respectful dialogue in a gentle manner that commends the Gospel of which they speak. This combination of being ready to speak of why we follow Jesus, and doing so in a manner that commends our message has always been the key to faithful Christian witness to those around us in a world that does not know Christ.

By investing intentionally in our children’s spiritual development, we’re preparing them not just to survive in secular schools, but to thrive as ambassadors for Christ

We want our children to be confident in what they believe and able to explain it with grace, humility, and kindness. So how can we equip our children to be “salt and light” in their schools?

Four principles for equipping our children for the world

Here are four practical ways to build our children’s confidence at school:

1. Awareness: help them recognise other worldviews

Children need to understand that not everyone shares their Christian faith. The classroom is often the first place they encounter differing beliefs. Talk openly about what they’re learning and encourage them to spot truth-claims and worldview differences. Ask thoughtful questions like: “What did you notice about today’s lesson?” or “Did anything challenge your beliefs?” This builds discernment and helps them engage thoughtfully rather than get confused or even react defensively.

2. Grounding: nurture their faith at home

Confidence in sharing the Good News of Jesus starts with knowing why you believe it. Make space at home to explore faith together—around the dinner table, before bedtime, or on walks. Discuss stories, both from within and outside the Bible, ask what they think, and model how your faith shapes your thinking and decision-making. They don’t need to know all the answers, but they do need to know how to seek them.

Being bold in faith doesn’t mean being combative. Show your children how to disagree kindly and clearly

3. Dialogue: practice engaging with disagreement

Help your children practice dialogue, especially when they don’t agree with something. You can roleplay common classroom discussions or talk through news stories together. Encourage curiosity by asking, “Why do you think they see it that way?” Teach them to understand other opinions and to see thing through the lenses of others, which will help with engaging helpfully with those with different beliefs.

4. Disagree agreeably: model gentle communication

Being bold in faith doesn’t mean being combative. Show your children how to disagree kindly and clearly. When disagreements happen at home, treat those moments as opportunities. Ask them to express their view, to listen well, and to respond gently, with grace and respect. You’re training them to be winsome witnesses of Christ.

A privilege and a calling

Sending our children into the world as followers of Jesus isn’t something to fear; it’s a calling to embrace. It’s a chance to see their light shine in places that need it most.

And yes, it’s also okay to have concerns. But let those concerns drive you to prayer, conversation, and action. By investing intentionally in our children’s spiritual development, we’re preparing them not just to survive in secular schools, but to thrive as ambassadors for Christ.

So be encouraged. Your role is essential.