It was John Donne's mother who was responsible for his schooling. She trained him in Catholic faith. He was not free to choose the course of his life.

It is true that John Donne's mother played a significant role in his education and religious upbringing. As a devout Catholic, she raised him in the Catholic faith and ensured that he received a thorough education, despite the fact that Catholics were not allowed to attend university or hold public office in England at the time. However, it is important to note that Donne was not entirely limited by his upbringing, and he eventually made the decision to convert to the Anglican faith and pursue a career in the Church of England. While his Catholic background certainly influenced his work, it would be inaccurate to say that he had no agency in shaping the course of his life.