Givan responds to Judgment on Religious Education and Collective Worship in Northern Ireland schools

Education Minister, Paul Givan has today announced a comprehensive response to the recent Supreme Court judgment on Religious Education and collective worship in Northern Ireland schools.  

The package includes a review to revise the Religious Education (RE) curriculum and the introduction of formal inspection of RE across all schools. There are no plans to change the arrangements for collective worship which will continue in schools, however new guidance has been published to strengthen and streamline the right of withdrawal from both it and RE.

The Review of the RE Curriculum will be led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE, Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, and Mrs Joyce Logue, former Principal of Long Tower Primary School. They will be supported by an expert drafting group comprising teachers from primary and post‑primary schools across all sectors.

It will involve extensive engagement with churches, teachers, school leaders, parents and young people.

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 emphasised that the revised syllabus will continue to reflect Northern Ireland's unique 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.”

The Minister also confirmed his intention to introduce legislation within the current Assembly mandate to ensure robust, transparent and accountable inspection of Religious Education, bringing RE into line with inspection arrangements for all other curriculum subjects.

Commenting on the Review, Professor Purdy welcomed the appointment: “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.”

In response to the Supreme Court's ruling on the right of withdrawal from RE and collective worship, the Department has published new guidance to support schools in ensuring that withdrawal is practical, effective and free from stigma.

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.”

Further details of the measures announced were included in an Oral Ministerial Statement, which has been published on the DE website at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/oral-statement-religious-education-and-collective-worship-3-february-2026.

Terms of Reference for the review of the Religious Education core syllabus can be found at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/draft-terms-reference-review-re-core-syllabus.

Guidance on the implementation of the right of withdrawal can be accessed at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/circular-202609-arrangements-withdrawal-religious-education-and-collective-worship-all-grant-aided-schools.

Notes to editors:

1. Article 21 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 makes both religious education and collective worship mandatory in all publicly schools in Northern Ireland, except nursery schools.

2. Religious education in all schools must include the core syllabus specified under Article 11 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (Religious Education Core Syllabus (English version).