The number of baptisms of children aged between one and 13 has risen by almost a quarter since 1958, according to the Pastoral Research Centre Trust.
The researchers say "lapsed" Catholics are behind the rise in late baptisms.
The study also suggests 64% of babies aged under one were baptised in 2005, compared to 85% in 1958.
The trust's Tony Spencer said that a lapse in religious discipline meant some parents were having their children baptised between the ages of two and three after realising it would help them gain a place at an oversubscribed Catholic school.
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