Changes ahead for religious education

Professor Becky James' final report was published earlier this month on the National Curriculum and has recommended that RE should be moved into the National Curriculum rather than remaining a basic subject. There are clearly challenges with this, not least a complex legislative framework, but also opportunities for greater connection between schools with a religious designation and those without, and the various faith and belief bodies that support schools. I would hope the recommendation of a task and finish group is brought into being soon and that the existing expertise in the sector made use of. At a time of widening differences in society, ensuring religious and belief literacy is a core component of young people's education must be increasingly important.