Voluntary aided schools in England and Wales must ensure that religious education is provided as part of the school’s basic curriculum. In Catholic schools this is done in accordance with the teachings, doctrines, discipline and norms of the Catholic Church. Academies in England are required by their funding agreement and Articles of Association to comply with similar requirements.

The St. Mary’s RE programme is based upon the core resources recommended by the Diocese and the main aim is to extend each child’s knowledge about Catholicism while encouraging the skills of discussion, debate and reflection. This includes learning about other religions that are practiced in the UK and around the world as we believe that if children understand one another’s differences, similarities and views, then the world will become a better place. 

State funded schools in England and Wales are also required by law to take part in an act of collective worship on each school day. In Catholic schools this is done in accordance with the rites, practices, disciplines and liturgical norms of the Catholic Church.

Children at St Mary’s participate in a range of acts of collective worship daily, including assemblies, celebration of the Word, prayer stations and Mass, as well as in the general Catholic life of the school in its many different forms.

Parents are permitted to request that their child is withdrawn from receiving all or part of religious education and/or collective worship.

More information can be found by clicking the link below.