Religious Education

Religion and belief have become more visible in public life in recent years, making it important that all students should have an opportunity to engage in RE.  However, a parent may request a student be excused from all or part of the religious education (RE) provided. 

Parents who wish to withdraw their student from RE should be aware of its aims and what is covered in the RE curriculum and are welcome to contact the school to discuss this further via the enquiries contact form.  Parents also need to be clear whether the withdrawal is from the whole RE curriculum or specific parts of it. No reasons need be given.

Important limitations to withdrawal

• If students are withdrawn from RE, we continue to have a duty to supervise these students, though not to provide additional teaching.  A student may be required to work in another area of the school.
• Whilst parents or carers have a right to withdraw students from RE, they should note students may also encounter religions and beliefs and wider aspects of faith in other areas of the curriculum from which there is no right of withdrawal.
• On occasion, spontaneous questions about religious matters are raised by students or issues related to religion arise in other curriculum subjects such as history or PSHCE.  For example, in PSHCE lessons, students are supported to understand ideas about identity and diversity, feelings and emotions within both religious and non-religious contexts. 

Managing the Right of Withdrawal  

If a student is withdrawn from RE, they will usually remain on school premises where it is feasible and appropriate.

Where a request for withdrawal is made, the school must comply and excuse the student until the request is rescinded.