The right of withdrawal from RE

This was first granted when the curriculum subject of RE was called ‘religious instruction’ and carried with it possible connotations of induction in the Christian faith. RE is very different now – open, broad, exploring a range of religious and non religious worldviews. However, in the UK, parents still have the right to withdraw their children from RE on the grounds that they wish to provide their own religious education. (School Standards and Framework Act 1998 S71 (3).) This will be parents’ responsibility.