Children are being baptised several years after birth to boost chances of getting into to a Roman Catholic school, research has suggested.
Children are being baptised several years after birth to boost chances of getting into to a Roman Catholic school, research has suggested.
The number of baptisms of children aged between one and 13 has risen by almost a quarter since 1958, according to the Pastoral Research Centre Trust.
The number of baptisms of children aged between one and 13 has risen by almost a quarter since 1958, according to the Pastoral Research Centre Trust.
The researchers say "lapsed" Catholics are behind the rise in late baptisms.
The researchers say "lapsed" Catholics are behind the rise in late baptisms.
The study also suggests 64% of babies aged under one were baptised in 2005, compared to 85% in 1958.
The study also suggests 64% of babies aged under one were baptised in 2005, compared to 85% in 1958.
The trust's Tony Spencer said that a lapse in religious discipline meant some parents were having their children baptised between the ages of two and three after realising it would help them gain a place at an oversubscribed Catholic school.
The trust's Tony Spencer said that a lapse in religious discipline meant some parents were having their children baptised between the ages of two and three after realising it would help them gain a place at an oversubscribed Catholic school.
'Good thing'
'Good thing'
"It is a great compliment from the community at large to the quality of the Catholic school system," Mr Spencer said.
"It is a great compliment from the community at large to the quality of the Catholic school system," Mr Spencer said.
The trust added that the falling infant mortality rate has also meant parents are less concerned about having their children baptised.
The trust added that the falling infant mortality rate has also meant parents are less concerned about having their children baptised.
Oona Stannard, director of the Catholic Education Service for England and Wales, said it was reassuring that people sought baptism for their children, regardless of age.
Oona Stannard, director of the Catholic Education Service for England and Wales, said it was reassuring that people sought baptism for their children, regardless of age.
"That the child is brought into the Church and the family's bond with the Church strengthened can only but be a good thing, irrespective of whether the child does eventually have the benefit of attending a Catholic school," she said.
"That the child is brought into the Church and the family's bond with the Church strengthened can only but be a good thing, irrespective of whether the child does eventually have the benefit of attending a Catholic school," she said.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said: "As Ed Balls made clear only this week, it is for local communities to determine the types of schools that they want.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said: "As Ed Balls made clear only this week, it is for local communities to determine the types of schools that they want.
"All schools are bound by our new admissions code which stipulates fair admissions policy for all schools. Schools are under a legal duty to promote community cohesion, understanding and tolerance."
"All schools are bound by our new admissions code which stipulates fair admissions policy for all schools. Schools are under a legal duty to promote community cohesion, understanding and tolerance."
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