Schoolchildren in Oxfordshire are being discriminated against because of their beliefs, according to the British Humanist Association (BHA).

The group has claimed that Oxfordshire County Council's schools transport policy discriminates against non-religious children and, as such, is in breach of the Human Rights Act.

The authority provides free transport to children who want to go to a religious school in preference to a nearer community school -- but not to pupils who want to go to a non-religious school in preference to a nearer religious school.

Marilyn Mason, education officer at the BHA, said: "If they don't provide transport to anybody wanting to go to a school that's not the nearest to them, then that's fair enough, but Oxfordshire's current policy is discriminatory on grounds of religion.

"Atheism, agnosticism and humanism are beliefs that are a matter of conscience. These people do have serious reservations about attending schools which promote certain religious beliefs.

"Very many parents don't realise they are being discriminated against."

The council's policy provides free transport to children aged less than eight who want to go to an aided religious school that is more than two miles away -- the over-eights get free transport if the school is more than three miles away.

These rights are not extended to non-religious pupils wishing to avoid religious schools.

John Mitchell, a spokesman for the council, said the authority would investigate the BHA's claims.

He said: "We shall look carefully at the claims made by the British Humanist Association and take advice about whether or not the county council's school transport policy contravenes the Human Rights Act.

"The present policy has been operated in good faith for many years, subject to regular review, and on the understanding that it complies with all legal requirements."