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, the parent may request that they be excused from all or part of the religious education (RE) provided.
Parents who wish to withdraw their children from RE should be aware of its aims and what is covered in the RE curriculum and that they are given the opportunity to discuss this if they wish. It should be made clear whether the withdrawal is from the whole RE curriculum or specific parts of it. No reasons need be given
Important – limitations to withdraw
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If students are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching. A student may be required to work in another area of the school, such as library or break out area.
- Whilst parents or carers have a right to withdraw children from RE, they should note that children 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 citizenship (PSHE), or example, schools promote community cohesion and help students to understand ideas about identity and diversity, feelings and emotions within both religious and non-religious contexts.
Where a withdrawal request is made, the school must comply and excuse the student until the request is rescinded. Though not legally required, it is good practice for the Headteacher to invite parents to discuss their written request.
