I was raised CofE - I think all our generation were - and went to a secondary school of Catholic origins but one that was basically secular. Anyway one kid who was Buddhist in whole school, a few non Orthodox Jews and no one of any other faith. 50 odd years later and it's a whole different story and I imagine RE is a completely different thing there.

Secondary school totally turned me off religion, it probably would do the same if I was there now, although the teaching would probably be more balanced.

Sorry but your post created a bizarre image in my mind of angelic boy soprano rA doing solos at Oldham cathedral if there is one. No it's not a city is it - Manchester cathedral then. Standing in cassock and surplice before a gushing crowd of parents, fearful of the forthcoming castration to maintain performance sills!