Religious Education

A high-quality religious education (RE) curriculum is essential to meet the statutory requirement for all maintained schools to teach a broad and balanced curriculum. At the heart of RE in church schools is the teaching of Christianity, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. There is a clear expectation that as inclusive communities, church schools encourage learning about other religions and world views fostering respect for them. Although there is not a National Curriculum for RE, all maintained schools have a statutory duty to teach it.

Religious Education is provided in accordance with the 1988 Education Act and locally agreed syllabus, which has recently been enhanced by a new curriculum written by the Peterborough Diocese called ‘RE Today’. This combines both understanding Christianity and the study of other religions. It aims to help pupils develop their understanding and knowledge of different religions, faiths, beliefs and practices and help them to reflect on their own values and beliefs.

We embrace the principles that guide us as a Church of England School, please see the Statement of Entitlement for RE statement below for further information.

Parental Right to Withdraw from RE

This 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.

In the UK, parents still have the right to withdraw their children from RE on the grounds that they wish to provide their own RE. This provision will be the parents’ responsibility. This right of withdrawal exists for all pupils in all types of school, including schools with and without a religious designation.

If you have any concerns about RE in our school, or your child’s participation please contact the school to make an appointment to discuss,

Please click the link below to see our curriculum overview for RE.