Religious Education

1. Religious Education The essential legal bits ........

2. RE and the Basic Curriculum • Schools must teach the basic curriculum . • That is RE and the National Curriculum • This goes back to 1944 education act • It means that the government can change the National curriculum at whim BUT to remove RE they will need to change the law

3. Who's responsible? Governing bodies and head teachers must ensure that RE is provided as part of the school’s basic curriculum: • Community and VC Schools must follow the locally agreed syllabus • For Voluntary Aided schools with a religious character, the RE offered is to be determined by the governors in accordance with the trust deed. (SSFA 1998 Schedule 19.4)

4. And what about Academies ? All academies are required, through their funding agreements, to teach RE. • For academies without a religious character, this will be the locally agreed syllabus • For denominational academies with a religious character (Church of England or Roman Catholic – but also Muslim and most Jewish academies), this will be in line with the denominational syllabus. • For non-denominational (such as Christian) faith academies this can be either of the above, depending on the wishes of the sponsor and what is agreed by Ministers

5. And the right of withdrawal? • Religious Education should be provided for all registered pupils except for those withdrawn at the request of their parents • For more on this issue see Religious education in English schools: Non‑statutory guidance 2010