The Western world faces a tidal wave of secularisation, which shows no signs of receding.

In the UK, Christian self-identification has plummeted, dropping, for example, from 72% in 2001

to 47% in 2021.

The secularists argue that this trend reflects a shift towards an inclusive and intellectually progressive society.

Their critics, however, warn that the decline of faith erodes our moral foundations and frays our social ties.

The secular flood isn't just about church attendance,

they say, but strikes at the heart of our nation's identity and stability. For many conservatives,

nowhere is this betrayal of our values more evident than our education system. In the UK,

the 1944 Education Act introduced free secondary school education to all children for the first time,

with grammar schools said to offer exceptional education to our most talented students.

Today, grammar schools are in decline, and the founding of new ones prohibited.

It was argued that these schools favoured the middle classes and perpetuated social divisions.

Others, however, believe that closing these pathways has reduced educational

and social opportunities. Like the Christian identity of the nation, grammar schools are at risk

of being confined to history books. In this episode, we'll be speaking with Peter Hitchens,

British journalist, author and social critic about what religious and educational changes mean

for the soul of Britain. Together, we'll explore whether this shift marks the dawn of a more inclusive error

or the washing away of a once great Britain.

Hello! Hello and welcome to episode 136 of the pan-sycast.

Forced to portray the revolution, I'm Jack Symes,

and I'm delighted to be joined once again by the saint of secularity, that is Mr. Oli-Mali,

hello, and the guardian of grammars, Mr. Peter Hitchens.

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