On 3^rd February 2026, the Department of Education issued a circular granting all parents the statutory right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Collective Worship, if they so wish (See DENI Circular: ‘Withdrawal from Religious Education’ DE Circular Number 2026/09).  Parents do not need to state reasons for this request and school must implement this request promptly and without negotiation, usually within 5 working days.  The request will then remain in place until the parent submits a written request to end it.

A parent may withdraw their child wholly or partially from RE and/or collective worship.  If you wish to withdraw your child, contact reception for the parental withdrawal form or download the form from the website (Parent section).  Place the completed form in a sealed envelope and mark FAO the Principal (Mrs Patton).

You will receive a written acknowledgement of your request within 5 days and the arrangement will begin thereafter.  Pupils who have been withdrawn will be supervised in another classroom and will be asked to read or do quiet study.

Please contact Mrs Patton if you have any questions.