'Every state-funded school must offer a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based, and which:

promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils; and

prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

All state schools ... must teach religious education ... All schools must publish their curriculum by subject and academic year online'. 

(National Curriculum in England: Framework Document, DfE, September 2013, p.4)

In summary, RE is not part of the National Curriculum, but all maintained schools must follow the National Curriculum requirements to teach a broad and balanced curriculum, which includes RE up to and including KS5.

RE in all community, foundation and voluntary controlled schools should be taught in accordance with an Agreed Syllabus. In Hampshire, this is Living Difference IV . Please see the attached document for an overview of our RE curriculum at Oliver's Battery.

In the UK, parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education (RE) lessons, either fully or partially, at maintained schools. This right is outlined in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and applies to all types of schools, including faith schools. Students aged 18 or over also have the right to withdraw themselves from RE. 

How to Withdraw from RE:

• Communication:

  Parents should communicate their request to the school, ideally in writing, to ensure a clear record. 

• Reasoning:

  Parents are not required to provide a reason for the withdrawal. 

• School Response:

  The school is obligated to respect the parent's request and provide alternative arrangements for the student during RE lessons. 

• Alternative Arrangements:

  The school must supervise the student during RE lessons, but is not required to provide additional teaching or incur extra costs. Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring the child receives alternative religious education.