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On this page: Issues for Church schools | Guidance | Challenging areas | The law | FAQs
Parents do have the right to withdraw their child from all RE or part of it regardless of the type of Church school. This parental right should be stated in the school brochure.
The right of withdrawal is always available even if parents have signed a form to the contrary prior to their child's acceptance at the school.
See also the three principles received from HMCI concerning parents' right of withdrawal of their children from religious education in school, July 2003.
Guidance regarding the right of the parent to withdraw their child from religious education can be found in the Department for Education Circular 1/94 paragraphs 44-49.
It is always helpful to discuss any proposed withdrawal with parents before any action is taken. It is often a misunderstanding of the aims of RE that can lead parents to use their right of withdrawal.
In RE this generally arises in 2 areas:
Some parents may object to RE being taught in school and wish their children withdrawn. This is, however, rare in a Church school and if the school has a strong Christian ethos, withdrawal from RE lessons will not resolve the issue.
The law regarding the right of the parent to withdraw their child from religious education can be found in the Education Act 1996 Part V, Chapter 3, section 389. The right of withdrawal is also found in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 Part II, Chapter 6, section 71.
As stated above, the right of parental withdrawal should be stated in the school brochure.
Can parents withdraw their children from part of the RE curriculum?
Yes.
Who looks after those who are withdrawn?
The school is required to ensure the safety of the pupil but not required to provide alternative teaching.
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