Religious Education (RE) is a statutory part of the basic curriculum for all registered pupils. All pupils are legally entitled to RE as part of a broad and balanced curriculum unless they are withdrawn by their parents or, if aged 18 or over, by themselves. 

Parents and carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education.

If you request that your child be excused from RE, the school must comply with your request. You are not required to give a reason. 

If a child is withdrawn:

• The school remains responsible for their supervision during RE lessons. The school is not required to provide alternative teaching and will not incur extra cost. 
• Children will remain on the school site unless you arrange alternative religious education elsewhere in a way that does not disrupt statutory attendance. 

Withdrawal applies only to RE lessons. It does not apply to learning about religion within:

• The National Curriculum (e.g., History, PSHE, English)
• Wider curriculum content where religion may be discussed incidentally