In religious education (RE), pupils enter into a rich discourse about the religious and non-religious traditions that have shaped Great Britain and the world. RE in primary schools enables pupils to take their place within a diverse multi-religious and multi-secular society. At its best, it is intellectually challenging and personally enriching. It affords pupils both the opportunity to see the religion and non-religion in the world, and the opportunity to make sense of their own place in that world.

Research review series: religious education Ofsted 2021

The essential place of religious education (RE) in a Church school flows from our deep commitment to the flourishing of every child articulated in our Vision for Education. The aim for young people to leave school with a rich and well-informed understanding of Christianity. Equally important is the development of a commitment to generous hospitality, expressed through deep respect for the integrity of other religious and belief traditions, and for the religious freedom of every individual.

All pupils can expect

1. RE to be a high-profile subject and a priority for those who lead their school.
2.  To be enabled to achieve highly in RE, irrespective of educational need or disadvantage.
3.  A sequenced curriculum where they will learn about a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the diversity that exists within those worldviews.
4. A balanced curriculum, using high-quality resources, where they engage with a range of ways of knowing, including theology, philosophy and the human and social sciences.
5. Teachers who have secure RE subject knowledge and are able to deliver content accurately whilst having the ability to challenge common misconceptions.
6. RE to be delivered in an objective, critical and pluralistic manner.
7. RE classrooms which are safe, supportive spaces where pupils can openly explore their own religious, spiritual, and/or philosophical ways of living, believing, thinking, and belonging.
8. To be given the opportunity to articulate their personal worldviews and engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue with others.
9. RE teaching which promotes religious and cultural understanding within communities and society.

Statement of Entitlement for Church of England Schools 2026