Overview

This bill aims to replace mandatory daily collective worship in non-religious state schools in England with a daily assembly focused on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education for all pupils, regardless of their beliefs. It also makes provision for voluntary acts of worship.

Description

The bill amends the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, removing the requirement for daily collective worship in state schools in England that don't have a designated religious character. Instead, it mandates daily assemblies focused on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) education. Voluntary acts of worship are permitted, with parental consent required for pupils under 16. The bill also updates other related legislation, including the Education Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010, to reflect these changes. It ensures that pupils excused from religious observance in faith schools will be provided an alternative assembly of equal educational value. The bill applies only to England and Wales and comes into force on September 1st following its passing.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The cost of implementing the changes relating to assemblies and ensuring compliance is likely to be absorbed within existing education budgets. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Pupils in non-religious state schools in England: Will experience a shift from mandatory collective worship to mandatory assemblies focused on SMSC education.
• Teachers in non-religious state schools in England: Will need to adapt their assembly planning and delivery to meet the new requirements.
• Head teachers and governing bodies of non-religious state schools in England: Will have a responsibility to ensure compliance with the new assembly requirements.
• Parents of pupils in non-religious state schools in England: Will have the right to request their child's non-attendance at any voluntary acts of worship (if under 16).
• Pupils in faith schools: The bill makes provision for those excused from religious observance to receive an assembly of equal educational value.

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