RE & Collective Worship - A Guide for Families
Moulton School
Email: head@moulton.cheshire.sch.uk
English Legislation
Every pupil has a legal entitlement to Religious Education (RE) and Collective Worship.
RE and Collective Worship are essential parts of a ‘broad and balanced curriculum’ and must be provided for all registered pupils in state-funded schools in England including those in the sixth form unless withdrawn by their parents (or by the pupils themselves if aged 18 or over).
This requirement does not apply to pupils below compulsory school age although many schools provide RE in nursery classes as good practice.
Special schools should ensure that every pupil receives RE and Collective Worship ‘as far as is practicable’.
RE is Locally Determined Not National
- A locally agreed syllabus is a statutory syllabus for RE recommended by a local Standing Advisory Committee for RE (SACRE) for adoption by a local authority.
- Maintained schools without a religious character must follow the locally agreed syllabus.
- Voluntary controlled schools with a religious character should follow the locally agreed syllabus unless parents request RE in accordance with the trust deed or religious designation of their school.
- Voluntary aided schools with a religious character should provide RE in accordance with the trust deed or religious designation of their school unless parents request the locally agreed syllabus. Many such schools have an overarching body such as a diocese which offers support.
- RE is compulsory for all pupils in academies and free schools as set out in their funding agreements. Academies may use their locally agreed syllabus a different locally agreed syllabus (with SACRE permission) or devise their own curriculum.
RE is Multi-Faith and Inclusive
The RE curriculum whether drawn up by a SACRE or used by an academy or free school ‘shall reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian while taking account of the teachings and practises of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain’. Contemporary guidance from the Government makes clear that the breadth of RE includes the six principal religions of the UK and non-religious worldviews.
Collective Worship
In UK primary schools like Moulton School collective worship is wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character promoting spiritual moral and cultural development. It often focuses on values such as forgiveness humility gratitude and justice. Collective worship can take place in classrooms or assemblies. We engage with representatives from a range of religions and sectors to enrich this experience.
Parental Right of Withdrawal from RE and Collective Worship
This right was first granted in 1944 when RE was called ‘Religious Instruction’ and was more focused on Christian faith induction. RE today is open broad and explores a range of religious and non-religious worldviews. In the UK parents retain the right to withdraw their children from RE if they wish to provide their own religious education. This right applies to all pupils in all types of schools including those with or without a religious designation.
Parents may also withdraw their child from part of RE and Collective Worship without giving any explanation.
What to Do If You Wish to Withdraw Your Child from RE or Collective Worship
If you are considering withdrawal please contact the school office by email at head@moulton.cheshire.sch.uk and ask to book an appointment with the Headteacher. At the meeting please discuss any religious issues you object to your child being taught about. The school will provide an opportunity to review the locally agreed syllabus RE lessons collective worship themes and resources.
If you still wish to withdraw your child please inform the school in writing using the email above.
Please note:
Parents can only withdraw their child from RE not other curriculum areas. For example pupils cannot be withdrawn from religious art in an art lesson or from parts of the history curriculum such as the study of faith conversions.
