Expectations of RE in Canterbury Diocesan church schools
In Diocesan Church of England schools, Religious Education (RE) is a core part of the curriculum and is central to our vision for education that enables all pupils to flourish. Our priority is to ensure that RE in every school is academically rigorous, theologically rooted, and deeply respectful of the diverse world in which we live.
The aim of RE in our church schools is to support pupils in becoming religiously literate; that is, to be able to engage with a wide range of religious and non-religious worldviews in an informed, balanced, thoughtful and respectful way. We want pupils to understand the beliefs, values, cultures and practices that shape people’s lives, and to reflect on their own beliefs, experiences and identity.
Through excellent RE, our church schools seek to nurture pupils who are curious, compassionate, and courageous - young people who are equipped to live well with difference, contribute positively to their communities, and make sense of the world and understand their place in it.
See the (updated May 2026) for guidance on the expectations of RE teaching in Church schools.
The legal requirements for all schools are that:
- Religious Education must be provided for all registered pupils in full time education except those withdrawn at their parents’ request (or their own request if aged 18 or over). (DfE Circular 1 / 94, paragraphs 44 & 49, and Non-Statutory Guidance 2010 page 28)
- The law relating to Religious Education for pupils who are not yet in key stage 1 is different from that relating to subjects of the National Curriculum. As Religious Education must be taught to ‘all registered pupils at the school’, it includes pupils in reception classes, but not those in nursery classes or play groups
- By the same law, Religious Education must be provided for all students in school sixth forms (but not those in Sixth Form Colleges, which must provide Religious Education for all students wishing to receive it)
For more information or support with Religious Education in your school please contact Natalie Ralph (01227 459401).
