Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps have been taken by the Government in response to the recommendation in paragraph 6.2.3 of the Council of Europe Resolution 2036 (2015) on respecting the right of parents to provide their children with an education in conformity with their religious or philosophical convictions, while guaranteeing the fundamental right of children to education in a critical and pluralistic manner in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights, its protocols and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

Education is a devolved matter and therefore any steps taken in response to the Council of Europe Resolution 2036 are a matter for the relevant devolved administration.

With regard to England, schools with a religious character make up a third of all state- funded schools and parents have a large degree of choice over how they can provide their children with an education in line with their own beliefs.

The government also firmly believes in the importance of religious education. Good quality religious education can develop children’s knowledge of the values and traditions of Britain and other countries, and foster understanding among different faiths and cultures. That is why it remains compulsory for all state funded schools in England and Wales, including academies and free schools, at all key stages. Parents also have the right to ask for their child to be withdrawn for religious education.

Religious education is part of schools’ activity to meet their legal duty to promote young people’s spiritual, moral and cultural development. We expect all schools to promote fundamental British values, and that includes encouraging mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.