A new survey published in the Guardian this week has found that the majority believe that faith-based education is good for children.

The Guardian/ICM poll reveals that, of a pool of more than one thousand respondents, 60% of those surveyed thought children benefit from a faith-based education, while 69% of those with school-age children supported a religious ethos at school.

When asked to agree or disagree with the statement ‘Generally speaking, children benefit from a faith-based education’, 607 respondents answered affirmatively while only 350 disagreed. Positive responses remained above 50% regardless of gender, location, social class or political affiliation.

The government has already acknowledged the positive contribution made by schools with a religious character. Speaking in 2007 at the Launch of Faith in the System, Children, Schools and Families Secretary Ed Balls said: “For hundreds of years faith groups have had a long and noble tradition at the heart of our education system – from medieval times, through the Reformation, to the present day… I fully recognise that faith schools are popular with many parents and make a valuable contribution to the way in which this country educates its children."

There are more than 6000 schools with a religious character in Britain today, representing approximately one third of the maintained sector.

To see the polling data, click here.