Schools should be required to take equal shares of pupils in different ability groups to help poorer students succeed, a children’s charity says.

Barnardo’s claims its proposal, known as “fair-banding”, could reduce social segregation in the school system.

Fewer pupils from poor homes get into England’s top schools – partly because their parents are less able to navigate the admission system, Barnardo’s says.

…

Studies have shown that children who are put into a class with high-achieving peers are likely to see their own results improve.

The report adds that there is clear evidence that many schools which control their own admissions, such as faith schools, are more socially selective than those that do not.

Full article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11098808

See the British Humanist Association response: Barnardo’s report finds ‘faith’ schools admissions policies exclude poorer pupils.