Research shows that religious discrimination in schools presents a big barrier to integration, and that ethnic segregation in English schools is entrenched.
Inclusive education advocates have welcomed a 'radical' suggestion from the Bishop of Oxford, that church schools should severely limit religious selection.
The Accord Coalition says it is "deeply disappointed" that parliament will not look at Education Bill amendments to keep schools open to the whole community.
New government figures show that faith schools comprise over 2/3 of the schools with top SATS results, though they account for less than 40 per cent of primary schools.
Some findings from recent polling by YouGov seem to challenge the claim that the religion of a school is a priority for parents when making the choice over where they want their children to be educate
The Accord Coalition has criticised schools that have been found to skew pupil admissions rules in favour of middle class families - including some faith schools.