An inquiry has been ordered following claims that some schools - most notably faith schools - have been breaking laws aimed at making admissions fairer. Schools Adjudicator Philip Hunter has been given until July for his probe.
Faith schools appear to be the main offenders when it comes to breaking new rules on admissions, a Government survey has found.
Ed Balls, schools secretary, announced that his Department had randomly picked three authorities to examine
Faith schools which discriminate against potential pupils and staff should no longer be allowed state funding, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has said.
The Church of England has adopted a 'three-tier' discimination policy, aimed at continuing to give preferential treatment in school admissions for those linked to churches.