Overview

This bill amends the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to change how assemblies are conducted in state schools in England. It removes the requirement for daily collective worship in schools without a designated religious character and replaces it with a daily assembly focused on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education.

Description

The bill primarily affects state schools in England without a religious character. It repeals the requirement for daily collective worship in these schools. Instead, it mandates a daily assembly focused on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. This assembly must be inclusive of all pupils regardless of their religion or belief. While acts of worship are prohibited by the school, voluntary acts of worship may be arranged by staff or pupils, with parental consent required for pupils under 16. The bill also includes consequential amendments to other Acts to ensure consistency with the changes.

Key Changes:

• Replaces mandatory collective worship with mandatory assemblies focused on SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural) education in non-religious schools.
• Allows voluntary acts of worship but requires parental consent for pupils under 16.
• Makes consequential amendments to other relevant legislation.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The changes relate to the structure and content of school assemblies, not the funding of schools.

Groups Affected

• State schools in England without a designated religious character: These schools will be required to hold daily assemblies focused on SMSC education, replacing collective worship.
• Pupils in these schools: Will participate in daily assemblies promoting SMSC development, potentially different from their previous experience of collective worship.
• Teachers and school staff: Will need to adapt their approach to assemblies to meet the new requirements.
• Parents/Guardians: Will have the right to request their children (under 16) be excused from voluntary acts of worship.
• Religious groups: May have differing views on the removal of mandatory collective worship, while the provision for voluntary acts of worship may address some concerns.

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