CAMPAIGNERS have warned that a merger of primary schools will bring about a “significant reduction” in secular places.

The National Secular Society says 200 non-religious places will be lost through the “amalgamation” of Barrow Hill Junior School, George Eliot Primary, and Robinsfield Infant School, all in St John’s Wood.

The three community schools, with no religious character, are set to be brought together due to falling admissions, part of a trend affecting most areas of the capital.

NSS campaigns officer Jack Rivington said: “No child should be obliged to attend a faith school because there are no available places at inclusive secular schools.

“While the need to reduce total available places amid decreasing numbers of pupils is understandable, it must not come at the expense of secular education.

“Our school system should put the best interests of children, families, and the local community first, not those of religious institutions. We urge Westminster Council to reconsider this decision which will perpetuate disadvantage in the borough.”

A consultation with parents returned an overwhelming majority directly opposed to the plans.

But the consultation is unlikely to change the minds of governors and the city council that are both backing the proposal.

They argue they want to “get ahead of the curve” with a significant plunge in admissions predicted in coming years.

Parents on low and middle incomes have been leaving London for years due to high cost of rent and living, leading to the drop in admissions.

School funding is based on how many places are filled each year.

One parent said: “The majority of parents at consultation disagreed with this proposal. Many church schools insist families attend church to get a place at a school.

“This is not reflective of the diversity of London. We will continue to fight to keep our three secular schools open.”

The NSS said Christian faith schools are significantly overrepresented in Westminster, at 55.1 per cent, almost twice the national average.

The NSS also said there was no evidence Westminster City Council had fulfilled a legal obligation to assess overall “diversity in the provision” when drawing up its proposals.

The NSS campaigns for a separation of religion from the state.

Council deputy leader and cabinet member for children Aicha Less (inset) said: “We share the concerns that families, staff and community groups have over the future of schooling in St John’s Wood. Falling pupil rolls place huge pressure on school finances so in response to these challenges the proposal provides the continuation of a school that is accessible to families in the local community. This proposal does not remove secular education as an option in the St John’s Wood area, but offers a fully resourced and financially viable community school.

“We will continue to do everything we can to minimise disruption to education and ensure that children have access to high-quality education. The consultation ends today and no decisions have been made yet.”