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New research, carried out by The Guardian, has shown that the intake of church (or faith) schools fail to mirror the social mix of the local community.
Using a standard measurement, the proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals, it shows that Anglican and Roman Catholic schools tend to have a more affluent and middle class intake than the non-denominational schools in the same area.
The Guardian points an accusing finger at the schools, saying that the schools are “shunning” poorer pupils.
However, it could be subtler than this.
The admissions codes of most church schools prioritise regular attendance at a church over living locally to the school. It is the middle-class families who are willing and able to invest the time to meet this admissions criteria.
It is also interesting, especially at primary level, that in the older years – Years 4 to 6, when most movement in class lists takes place – that church schools are much more socially mixed.
Furthermore, in rural areas, with less pressure on space, the church schools will tend to reflect the social mix more fully.
Labels Research and trends.