The British government's decision to expand faith-based schools can be seen as a victory for parental choice, yet do they infringe the rights of children and lead to segregation and cultural alienation? This question is of central importance as it highlights a potential dilemma that could result in conflict within families and communities. Article 15(1) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) calls for: "the right of the child to education... with a view to receiving the full realisation of this right on the basis of equal opportunity". Further, Article 10 of the document provides for: "the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion...[and].. the liberty of he child and [his] parents...to ensure the religious and moral education of the child in conformity with the convictions of their choice"(10.3). It is this fundamental issue of the rights of the child distinct from and potentially in conflict with those of the parents that forms the basis of this paper. Drawing on my empirical research during 2002-4 I make reference to a wide range of faith-based schools in Britain, namely Anglican, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Greek Orthodox institutions, (now book publication, "In Good Faith: Schools, Religion and Public Funding", Ashgate,2005). I explore the key issues of children's versus parents' rights, and pressing concerns over claims of "propaganda", "indoctrination" and "fundamentalism" being taught in faith-based schools. These issues have been forcefully expressed in the post 9/11 era, within in the UK and other European states. The debates also involve consideration of the nature of schooling which takes place in faith-based schools, which are normally established independently by religious communities, and the role of government in terms of providing financial support and public accountability.