Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan has 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 collective worship and RE.
The review of the RE curriculum will be led by Prof. 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. The review 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.
Commenting on the review, Prof. Purdy said: “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.”
The Minister concluded: “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.”
