A study commissioned by the Church of England in the UK has found that many parents were attending church in order to get their children into over-subscribed religious schools.

The study found evidence of stronger growth in attendance by parents wanting to enrol their children into a C of E school with limited places.

"The most direct impact on attendance may be felt in areas where a popular C of E school is over-subscribed,'' said the study authored by the University of Essex Professor David Voas.

"Some churchgoing is clearly motivated by a desire to qualify for school admission, but the boost to attendance may last into the longer term if families decide to stay,'' said the report.