The Department of Education has officially opened a Call for Evidence to inform the review of the Religious Education (RE) Core Syllabus in Northern Ireland. An online survey has been launched to gather public perspectives, which will be used by a dedicated group of experts, teachers, and school leaders tasked with revising the curriculum.

This review comes in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment which determined that the existing RE Core Syllabus fails to present information in an objective, critical, and pluralistic manner. The current syllabus is nearly 20 years old, and its update is intended to align with broader reforms of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

The findings from the Call for Evidence will work alongside direct stakeholder engagement to guide the Drafting Group during the revision process.

Education Minister Paul Givan commented on the launch: "This is an important opportunity to ensure that the new RE Core Syllabus reflects the needs of learners today and into the future. The Call for Evidence will help to ensure a wide range of views are gathered that can shape the work of the Drafting Group. I would encourage all with an interest in this area to have their say."

Professor Noel Purdy, Chair of the Drafting Group, emphasised the value of diverse contributions to the process: "This Call for Evidence will provide us with valuable insights to inform and support our work to review the RE Core Syllabus. We look forward to hearing from a wide range of voices and warmly encourage contributions from parents and carers, children and young people, teachers, school leaders, representatives of faith and non-religious worldviews, and anyone with an interest in the future of religious education in Northern Ireland."

The public consultation period is set to remain open until 20 March 2026.