Statutory requirements post 14
While there is no legal requirement that students must sit public examinations, students deserve the opportunity to have their learning accredited in the statutory curriculum subject of religious education. Accreditation can be through courses leading to qualifications with the title ‘Religious Studies’ and/or other approved courses that require the study of religion and ethics.
Schools should provide:
- for all students aged 14 to16, at least one course in religious education or religious studies, leading to a qualification approved under Section 96 (6) of the Learning and Skills Act (2000).
- for all students aged 16 to19, at least one course that represents progression from 14 to 16 in religious education or religious studies, leading to a qualification approved under Section 96 (6) of the Learning and Skills Act (2000).
How can schools fulfil their requirement to provide religious education to all registered students?
Schools should plan for continuity of provision of religious education that is progressive from key stage 3 and rigorous for all students. Schools can make this possible by providing access to discrete courses or units leading to qualifications that meet legal requirements regarding the study of Christianity, and/or other principal religions, and/or other beliefs, world views or philosophies, within the context of a pluralistic society.
All courses should provide opportunities within and beyond school for learning that involves first-hand experiences and activities involving people, places and events (for example the local area, places of worship and community activities, public meetings, and places of employment, education, training or recreation).What should schools do?
Schools should provide religious education to every student in accordance with legal requirements.
Religious education is a statutory subject for all registered students except those withdrawn by their parents. This includes students in the school sixth form and it must be made available in sixth-form colleges to students who wish to take it. Pupils over 18 may withdraw from RE. Although it is not a requirement in colleges of further education for those beyond school-leaving age, similar arrangements should apply.