Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to hold discussions with the (a) National Association of Teachers of RE, (b) RE Council and (c) National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on RE on the Curriculum and Assessment Review.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

Religious education (RE) is an important subject that should provide pupils with an opportunity to learn about a wide range of religious and non-religious beliefs. Religious education should help pupils to better understand the values and traditions of different religious communities, which is why it remains a compulsory subject in all state-funded schools in England for each pupil up to the age of 18.

The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, covering ages 5 to 18, which is chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE. The review will seek to deliver a curriculum that reflects the issues and diversities of our society, ensuring that all children and young people are represented in their learning and have access to a broad range of subjects.

The review group has recently launched a call for evidence, which sets out key questions and themes where it would particularly welcome input.

Anyone can access and respond to the call for evidence or register to join a live event. The review is looking to hear from a range of experts across the sector, in addition to the regular contact departmental officials have with stakeholders on the matter of religious education.