Lorraine Kelly, the television presenter, has voiced her opposition to separate faith schools in Scotland, claiming they are divisive and fuel sectarianism.

The GMTV presenter said she has a long-standing conviction, from childhood experience, that separate schools foster bigotry and deepen religious division. Kelly, who grew up in Glasgow’s East End, the daughter of a Catholic mother and a Protestant father, said she enjoyed the Orange marching bands but was appalled by the violence between pupils at her non-denominational school and the local Catholic primary.

“There used to be regular fights and skirmishes between the two primary schools but just before July 12 they became more serious. It was bonkers.

“I firmly believe that all children should be educated together and if they do have special religious needs these can easily be met with different morning assemblies.

“To split kids up from their pals at five years old only leads to conflict and suspicion. It gives bigots a chance to pollute the minds of impressionable youngsters and, until that stops, you will never stamp out the scandal of sectarianism and the deep divisions between all religions.”

Speaking in Glasgow last week, Kelly said that a compromise favoured by ministers and councillors of creating more shared campus schools would be a step in the right direction, but that fully integrated schooling represents the best solution. Her views are shared by some well-known politicians and academics, including Lord Steel, the former Liberal leader.

But they are at odds with Alex Salmond: the first minister is a vocal supporter of denominational schools, arguing that they produce high educational standards and promote strong moral values.

Most MSPs have no appetite to antagonise the church or Catholic parents. A Catholic church spokesman said there is no evidence Catholic schools promote bigotry.

The broadcaster discloses her views on the issue in her new autobiography Lorraine: Between You and Me.

Times Recommends

• Don't despair: great players learn from defeat
• Pope clears way for Cardinal Newman sainthood
• Ecclestone: despots are underrated