Thu, 3 Dec 2009
Faith schools dominate a new league table of England's best primary schools.
Almost two-thirds of the 268 schools which achieved "perfect" SATs results this summer were Anglican, Roman Catholic or Jewish schools.

Their prominence comes despite the fact that nationally they account for only one-third of the total number of schools.

The children at the 166 faith schools which were awarded "perfect" status attained at least the appropriate level for their age group in English, Maths and Science.

A 2008 survey showed that the majority of the population - including those who do not see themselves as Christian - agree that parents should be able to choose a state-run school for their child based on their own religious, moral or philosophical considerations. Two-thirds of parents (with children under 18) hold this opinion, consistent with the spirit of plurality in education which is protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.

A 2009 Guardian/ICM poll of 1,000 adults showed that "60% thought children benefited from a faith-based education, while 69% of those with school-age children supported a religious ethos at school".