Runnymede Trust, a respected multi-ethnic research body, has said that schools backed by religious bodies can play a valuable part in the education mix, but only if they are prepared for radical reform.

Accord, the coalition concerned about the way faith schools currently operate and its impact on society, the new report by the Schools Adjudicator highlights the dangers of discriminatory admission policies and lack of regulation.

The Archbishop of York has called on the Government to give fuller recognition to the work carried out by faith groups in delivering social services and has dismissed those concerned about equalities and other issues.