The Right of Withdrawal from Religious Education:

Parental right of withdrawal from Religious Education (RE) was first granted in 1944 when curricular RE was called ‘Religious Instruction’ and carried with it connotations of induction into the Christian faith. RE is very different now – open, broad and exploring a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and as such a vital part of students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

However, in the UK, parents still have the right to withdraw their children from RE. This right of withdrawal should be made in writing and exists for all students in all types of school, including schools with and without a religious designation. Students aged 18 or over have the right to withdraw themselves from RE. Parents also have the right to withdraw their child from part of RE, and can do so without giving any explanation

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

Where a request for withdrawal is made, the school must comply and excuse the student until the request is rescinded. Though not legally required, the Headteacher would normally invite parents to discuss their written request.

Important – limitations to withdraw

• If students are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost. 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) For example, schools promote community cohesion and help pupils to understand ideas about identity and diversity, feelings and emotions within both religious and non-religious contexts.