This book explores what the role of religion should be in the education process of a modern, secular society, investigating a recently established network of small independent Christian schools in the UK. The research is based on an extensive survey of the attitudes and beliefs of the teenage pupils attending these schools.

Following an early career in biological research, Sylvia Baker entered education and worked as a science teacher for twenty-seven years. In 2010, she completed a PhD in Education at the University of Warwick. She continues to conduct research into the interplay between faith and education, with a particular interest in science education. She is currently a Visiting Research Fellow at Glyndwr University.

«The book is succinctly written, has an extensive bibliography, and contains an appendix on methodology. [...] I thoroughly recommend ‘Swimming against the Tide’.» (William Kay, Journal of Education and Christian Belief 18, 2014/1)

Contents: ‘Faith’ schools: the controversy – The new Christian schools: their origins and history – The new Christian schools: why were they founded? – The new Christian schools: overwhelmed by the secular tide? – The teenage pupils of the new Christian schools: who are they? – The teenage pupils: what do they believe? – The teenage pupils and the creation/evolution controversy – The teenage pupils: what are their personal concerns? – The teenage pupils: how do they view their unusual schooling? – The teenage pupils: what are their views and values? – The teenage pupils: what of those with ‘no religion’? – The survey findings: their wider implications.