The performance of siblings is to be introduced as one of the Catholic school's admissions criteria from next month.

They will be judged on their general attitude to school, work and conduct, and their record, which must be satisfactory with good grades for effort in all subjects, the Times Educational Supplement (TES) reports.

It says they are also expected to be punctual, not miss lessons, and take part in extra-curricular activities or make a contribution to the school in another way.

'No objections'

Each year the school admits 160 boys at the age of 11, and 50 boys and girls to the sixth form. It also has specialist music places for 20 seven-year-olds.

Priority is already given to practising Catholics, and parents are interviewed to make sure their children are suitable for the school.

The TES says there have been no objections to the admission arrangements.

Head teacher John McIntosh said places would be allocated primarily on religious grounds, and family commitment to a Catholic education, according to The Times.

It quotes him as saying: "All we are saying is that it will only be an advantage to have a brother at the school if we are satisfied with his performance."