Religious Education (RE)
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All maintained schools should provide Religious Education (RE) and collective worship for their pupils, unless they have been withdrawn by their parents.
In October 2004, the first non-statutory national framework for teaching Religious Education was launched. Developed jointly by the QCA, the DfES, major UK faith groups and RE professionals, the new framework:
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Endorses the entitlement to RE for all pupils, irrespective of race and culture
- Sets out national expectations for teaching and learning in RE, and
- Provides guidance for teachers
RE in all community schools and all foundation and voluntary schools without a religious character must follow the agreed syllabus for the area. The agreed syllabus is drawn up by the LEA, taking advice from local bodies. The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE), a local body made up of representatives from faith groups, teachers and the LEA advise on RE and collective worship issues, whereas the Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC), a subset of the SACRE, recommend new syllabuses. The head teacher shares responsibility with the LEA and the governing body for making sure that the RE requirements are met.
All locally agreed syllabuses must reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are mainly Christian, whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain.
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has issued non-statutory guidance on RE for schools.
The precise nature of RE at a foundation or voluntary school will depend on the religious character of the school. Whether a foundation or voluntary school has a religious character and the particular religion or religious denomination concerned is set out in The Designation of Schools Having a Religious Character (England) Order 1999, or, for schools approved to enter the maintained sector after 1 September 1999, the Order designating the school. There are no foundation special schools which have a religious character.
Voluntary aided schools with a religious character
RE in a voluntary aided school with a religious character must be provided in accordance with the schools trust deed or, where provision is not made by a trust deed, in accordance with the beliefs of the religion or denomination specified in the Order referred to above.
Where parents ask for RE to be provided for any pupils according to the locally agreed syllabus, and it is not convenient for them to attend a school at which the syllabus is in use, the governing body must make arrangements. This requirement is lifted if, because of any special circumstances, it would be unreasonable to do so.
Foundation and voluntary controlled schools with a religious character
RE in a foundation or voluntary controlled school with a religious character must be provided in accordance with the locally agreed syllabus for the area. However, where parents request it, provision may be made in accordance with the schools trust deed or, where provision is not made by trust deed, in accordance with the beliefs of the religion or denomination specified in the Order referred to above. This requirement is lifted if, because of any special circumstances, it would be unreasonable to do so. The governing body is responsible for ensuring that such religious education is provided for not more than two periods in each week. The head teacher shares responsibility with the LEA and the governing body for making sure that the RE requirements are met.
Teachers
Teachers cannot be required to teach RE except where the law provides otherwise. This would normally apply in a school with a religious designation.
Main text
Legislation
Key documents
Further information
