Pupils may be refused

Pupils could be denied a place at Catholic secondary schools unless they can prove they were baptised, under plans being considered by a Scottish local authority.

Children starting high school in East Renfrewshire could be asked to provide a Catholic baptismal certificate if they are moving to a Catholic secondary school in their catchment area which is oversubscribed.

Officials at East Renfrewshire Council put forward the plan prioritising places in St Ninian’s High School, one of the top state schools in Scotland, and St Luke’s High School for pupils who can prove they are baptised Catholics, to deal with the rising number of pupils at denominational schools in the east of the region. The plan would give priority to baptised Catholics.