The Religious Education Council’s Board responded to the Curriculum and Assessment Review by addressing significant challenges and opportunities within Religious Education in England.
The evidence submission begins by identifying the persistent issues facing RE, such as inconsistent curriculum delivery, the diminishing role of local authorities, and the impact of policies like the exclusion of RE from the EBacc. The removal of the GCSE short course from performance measures and the broader academisation agenda have further marginalized the subject, leading to disparities in provision across schools.
Despite these challenges, the REC Board highlights areas of resilience, such as stable entries for GCSE and A-level RE. Where local authorities have the capacity to support Standing Advisory Councils on RE (SACREs), schools benefit from guidance on curriculum development, teacher training, and best practices. However, such support is increasingly rare due to resource constraints. The REC emphasizes the need for greater investment and accountability to ensure equitable access to high-quality RE.
A key recommendation is the revision of the subject’s curriculum and assessment frameworks. Both GCSE and A-level subject content, as defined by the Department for Education (DfE), and assessment objectives set by Ofqual, require updates to align with contemporary educational needs and priorities. The REC also advocates for the Government to use the Religious Education Council’s National Content Standard for RE, ensuring consistency and rigour across schools while respecting local and community-specific contexts.
Another critical issue is the misuse of the parental right of withdrawal from RE. The REC Board notes that some parents withdraw their children for reasons unrelated to the original intent of the legislation, often to prevent exposure to diverse religious and non-religious perspectives. This misuse undermines RE’s role in promoting inclusion, community cohesion, and adherence to the Equality Act. The REC supports calls to review this right, citing recent legislative changes in Wales as one possible route.
The evidence submission highlights the importance of professional development for RE teachers. With many schools struggling to recruit and retain qualified RE staff, investment in teacher training and resources is crucial. The REC Board underscores the need for Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses, bursaries, and ongoing support to ensure teachers can deliver a high-quality curriculum.
The REC Board stresses the importance of RE in preparing students for life in a diverse, multi-faith and belief society. The subject helps foster critical thinking, mutual respect, and understanding of complex religious and non-religious worldviews. The REC Board calls for policy changes to elevate RE to the same status as core National Curriculum subjects, ensuring it receives adequate funding, time, attention, and accountability.
Finally, the evidence submission points to recent achievements, such as the Religion and Worldviews Project, which produced valuable resources like the Handbook for syllabus writers. These initiatives provide practical tools for designing inclusive, pluralistic curricula aligned with modern educational priorities.
The REC Board concludes with a call for collaborative efforts among policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to address systemic challenges and secure the future of RE in England. By implementing these recommendations, RE can better serve students, schools, and society as a whole.