A university academic has claimed religious schools are “one of the greatest problems in British life today.”

Ruth Wareham has been appointed by Humanists UK to lead its campaign for faith schools to be abolished in the state sector.

Dr Wareham has studied religious schools for more than a decade and was a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Warwick.

She is among a group of academics who have said schoolchildren in English schools should no longer sing hymns, say prayers or be directed towards belief in any particular religious faith.

The proposals were outlined in a pamphlet published last week by the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain.

Dr Wareham said: “I am motivated by the firm conviction - cultivated through my career as a teacher and academic researcher - in the importance of inclusive, nonpartisan education which fully respects the rights and interests of children to form their own religion or belief.

“My research has led me to conclude that the problem of religious schools is one of the greatest problems in British life today.

“For many decades, Humanists UK has led the way with its policy and campaigning work on these issues. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to use my expertise to help build upon previous successes and drive this important work forward.”

Humanists UK chief executive Andrew Copson said: “We are very excited by Dr Wareham’s appointment, which adds even greater weight to our vital work defending the rights of children, parents, carers, and teachers in our education system and working for a fairer society for all.

“More than a third of all state schools in England and Wales - more than 7,000 schools - are run by religious organisations and this figure is growing.

“These schools are legally entitled to discriminate against children on the basis of beliefs they are too young to confidently hold for themselves, and which serve to divide communities rather than bring them together.”