A Kingston school has launched a consultation asking whether it should drop its church criteria for admissions.

St Luke’s Church of England Primary School in Acre Road has proposed allowing children who do not attend church into its intake from 2016.

Headteacher Pat Allan wrote to parents about the consultation at the start of this term.

She said: "I am aware that several parents are concerned that removing the church criteria will change the Christian ethos of the school.

"The staff and governors want to assure all parents that the links with St Luke's Parish and the Christian ethos of the school will remain at the heart of school policies and practice.

"There is a trust deed which outlines our responsibilities as a church school to serve our local community and to uphold the Christian foundation of the school.

"St Luke’s will still be a church school with Christian values at the heart of all we do. This is not because we are legally bound but because the governors and staff wish it to be so."

A letter sent to parents from St Luke's Church vicar Fr Martin Hislop also supported the proposal.

Surrey Comet:

It read: "For quite some time now I have been very uncomfortable with aspects of the admissions criteria for the school and in particular the need to keep a register for church attendance.

"I am aware that some parishioners feel that there are those who attend church only to gain admission for their children and then no longer attend.

"Both the requirement for recorded attendance and the cynicism about attendance do not contribute to a positive and affirming atmosphere for the nurture of faith."

He added he did not believe the change would make a "difference to that vital ethos" of the school.

The proposal is also being supported by the Kingston Fair Admissions group, which campaigns for all state-funded schools to be equally accessible to families of all faiths and none. 

Governors will hold a public meeting in the school hall this Thursday, January 29, at 7.30pm, for anyone to attend. 

The consultation ends at midday on Friday, February 20.

To send your comments email Clerk of the Governors Nichola Jeans at nick@jeansy.org.