UK: Joining a church to get your child into church school

Ok, a bit controversial but I live in a black spot where we appear to be out of the catchment area for all state primary schools which the exception of one which is quite poor grades wise, although Ofsted is good. My town seems to be full of religious or private schools (Richmond upon Thames).So, my partner and I are thinking of joining the local Church of England school. Not only to get into a better school but we think it might be good for little ones upbringing to go to Sunday school. I'm an atheist but was christened. My partner hasn't been christened. I'm not quite sure how I feel about going church twice a month for at least 2 years, but I feel I have to to give my son a better chance and because the state seem to think it's acceptable to have 75% schools not available to non religious, non rich families. My partner thinks she might actually enjoy church.Has anyone had any experience of this? Did you feel bad about it, did your objective work. I also worry that if there are 30 church places and there are 40 kids at the church, how do they choose. Will not being married for example put us at a disadvantage. Can't find any proper info about how a church would select from their congregation (apart from attendance) via /r/Parenting http://ift.tt/2tGwtye