04/02/2026
Major Overhaul of Religious Education Announced for NI Schools
Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled a comprehensive plan to reform Religious Education (RE) and collective worship in Northern Ireland's schools.
The announcement follows a recent Supreme Court judgment and introduces a rigorous review of the current syllabus alongside new formal inspection processes.
Under the new measures, RE will be brought into line with other curriculum subjects by being subjected to formal inspections to ensure accountability. While collective worship will remain a fixture in schools, the Department of Education has issued new guidance to simplify and strengthen the process for parents wishing to withdraw their children from both worship and RE classes, ensuring the process is free from stigma.
The Review of the RE Curriculum will be led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE of Stranmillis University College and Mrs Joyce Logue, a former primary school principal. They will work with an expert group of teachers and engage with churches, parents, and young people to draft the new syllabus.
Education Minister Paul Givan said: "The Review launched today will develop a revised RE syllabus that is academically robust, modern in outlook and fully consistent with the Supreme Court judgment. Following full public consultation, I anticipate bringing forward new regulations in autumn 2026, with the new syllabus implemented from September 2027."
The Minister confirmed that despite the changes, the subject will maintain its traditional roots within the local context.
"This is an opportunity to strengthen RE as an academic discipline. Christianity will remain central to the syllabus. Given our historical, cultural and legal foundations, it is right that Christianity continues to provide the core focus for RE in Northern Ireland."
Professor Noel Purdy OBE, welcoming the appointment, added: "I am delighted to lead this important review. Working collaboratively with stakeholders across Northern Ireland, I am confident we can develop an academically robust RE curriculum that prepares children and young people for life in modern society."
Until the new syllabus is implemented in 2027, schools are being advised to adapt their current teaching to remain compliant with the law.
The Minister concluded: "While this review proceeds, it is important that schools deliver Religious Education in a way that complies with the current law. The Supreme Court was clear that RE can continue to be taught lawfully if schools ensure that additional, objective, critical and pluralistic material is included alongside the existing core syllabus.
"Together, these measures represent a balanced and measured response to the Supreme Court judgment. They will strengthen the RE curriculum, introduce inspection and protect parental rights."
The announcement follows a recent Supreme Court judgment and introduces a rigorous review of the current syllabus alongside new formal inspection processes.
Under the new measures, RE will be brought into line with other curriculum subjects by being subjected to formal inspections to ensure accountability. While collective worship will remain a fixture in schools, the Department of Education has issued new guidance to simplify and strengthen the process for parents wishing to withdraw their children from both worship and RE classes, ensuring the process is free from stigma.
The Review of the RE Curriculum will be led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE of Stranmillis University College and Mrs Joyce Logue, a former primary school principal. They will work with an expert group of teachers and engage with churches, parents, and young people to draft the new syllabus.
Education Minister Paul Givan said: "The Review launched today will develop a revised RE syllabus that is academically robust, modern in outlook and fully consistent with the Supreme Court judgment. Following full public consultation, I anticipate bringing forward new regulations in autumn 2026, with the new syllabus implemented from September 2027."
"This is an opportunity to strengthen RE as an academic discipline. Christianity will remain central to the syllabus. Given our historical, cultural and legal foundations, it is right that Christianity continues to provide the core focus for RE in Northern Ireland."
Professor Noel Purdy OBE, welcoming the appointment, added: "I am delighted to lead this important review. Working collaboratively with stakeholders across Northern Ireland, I am confident we can develop an academically robust RE curriculum that prepares children and young people for life in modern society."
Until the new syllabus is implemented in 2027, schools are being advised to adapt their current teaching to remain compliant with the law.
The Minister concluded: "While this review proceeds, it is important that schools deliver Religious Education in a way that complies with the current law. The Supreme Court was clear that RE can continue to be taught lawfully if schools ensure that additional, objective, critical and pluralistic material is included alongside the existing core syllabus.
"Together, these measures represent a balanced and measured response to the Supreme Court judgment. They will strengthen the RE curriculum, introduce inspection and protect parental rights."
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