Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)

Parents in England have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education and/or collective worship under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This applies to all state-funded schools, including academies and free schools.  

Overview of the RE Curriculum  

Throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Religious Studies, the focus is on engaging pupils in developing a broader understanding of beliefs and the impact of religion on people’s lives and on society. Central to this is the application of these beliefs and teachings, through the exploration of key questions, enabling pupils to express their own responses to the religious, philosophical and spiritual issues raised.

Pupils use a wide range of skills including the use of religious language to express key concepts. They should become increasingly aware of diversity within religious beliefs and values studied and identify ideas and practices which are shared. Pupils will achieve these aims through extending their understanding of Christianity and other principal religions in a local, national and global context. Other religions and belief systems will be considered as appropriate to the units. 

Complete Wiltshire Agreed RE Syllabus

Procedure for Withdrawal

Requests should be made in writing to the Headteacher.

A meeting may be offered to discuss the curriculum and implications of withdrawal with the Headteacher or another person appointed by the Headteacher. Usually the Head of Religious Studies and their Line Manager.

Supervision

Sheldon will  arrange supervision for withdrawn pupils but will not provide alternative teaching, usually they will be placed in the library, HOY office or Reset room during RS lessons.