Campaigners for the reform of church schools have warned that the anticipated boost that the Church of England will get to church attendance this Christmas will come at a cost to children.

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.