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Written question asked by Jess Asato (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Religion: Curriculum

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she is taking steps to engage with the (a) National Association of Teachers of Religious Education and (b) Religious Education Council on the RE curriculum.

Answer

The purpose of teaching on religious education (RE) is to help pupils understand the wide range of religions and beliefs, including non-religious beliefs, that exist in our country and the wider world. A consequence of high-quality teaching can be the development of respect, tolerance and community cohesion, built through a greater understanding of different viewpoints. The department has previously issued guidance on the teaching of RE which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/religious-education-guidance-in-english-schools-non-statutory-guidance-2010.

The government is grateful to Vanessa Ogden for her work leading the sector to come together on developing a draft RE curriculum. The Curriculum and Assessment Review recommended that government should explore including RE in the national curriculum, contingent on sector consensus. We continue to engage with the sector, including the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education and the Religious Education Council.

More widely, our reforms to the curriculum will support pupils’ understanding of mutual tolerance and respect.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5685
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Curriculum Religion
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk