RE: Statement of Entitlement
The statutory requirements for religious education were set out in the 1944 Education Act and then amended in the Education Act 1988 and restated in subsequent Acts of Parliament. These requirements apply to all maintained schools and state that
Religious education shall be provided for all registered pupils
The subject should be taught, according to the agreed syllabus, in all Local Authority community maintained and voluntary controlled schools
Religious Education must ‘reflect the fact that the religious traditions of Great Britain are in the main Christian whilst taking account of the teaching and practice of other principal religions represented in Great Britain’
The religious education syllabus is distinct from collective worship
Parental Rights
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious education lessons and collective worship. However, we would encourage parents to meet with the Headteacher before making such considerations to ensure there is a full understanding of the school's practices in these areas.