STARME is looking for teachers and other practitioners (school leaders, researchers, community groups) doing something interesting relating to Religious Education in the early learning, primary or secondary sector and who would like to share their practice with others via an in-person session at our annual Festival of Learning event. Our Read more
On February 17th, 2024, as faith communities across Scotland entered seasons of reflection—Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians—the RME community reached a landmark of its own. With the passing of the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill, the landscape of our classrooms has fundamentally shifted.
For years, the “withdrawal clause” acted as a symbolic barrier, often conflating academic Religious Education with Religious Observance. By allowing students to be opt-out of the subject, the system inadvertently framed RME as a confessional activity rather than an academic discipline.
The Turning Point
That era has ended. As stated on the Scottish Government website:
“It is no longer possible to withdraw from RME.” (Scottish Government, 2026)
This change is not just a policy update; it is a validation of RME’s legitimacy. We are moving away from the precarious positioning of the 1960s and the “conscience-based” absences of the 1980s toward a pluralistic, robust curriculum that reflects modern Scotland.
Looking Ahead
Following in the footsteps of Wales, Scotland is now tasked with ensuring our curriculum is fit for a nation where traditional religious identification is evolving. As we enter this “Curriculum Improvement Cycle,” one thing is clear: RME is no longer an optional extra. It is a necessary, academic, and vital tool for understanding the complex world our learners inhabit.
We are pleased to announce our next Digital Speed Meet, continuing our series of short, high-impact sessions designed for the busy educator. This 30-minute online event focuses on providing practical, ready-to-use resources that can be implemented in the classroom immediately. Featured Guest: Elaine Tait (Scripture Union Scotland) For this session, Read more
STARME is calling for fundamental reform of inspection practices for Religious and Moral Education (RME) and RERC. Inconsistent inspection is undermining the legal status of RME/RERC, leading to widespread non-compliance in Scottish schools.
Our position statement demands that future frameworks must guarantee Specialism, Clarity, Consistency, and acknowledgment of Systemic Challenges to finally secure high-quality, statutory religious education.
Read the full paper to see STARME’s four non-negotiable principles for the future of the inspectorate and RME/RERC provision.
Sarah Blair’s excellent presentation on “Increasing Engagement in the BGE,” outlined strategies she uses at Lasswade High School to make RMPS engaging for pupils. Her core aim is to foster keen learners and increase potential uptake in the senior phase by addressing questions about the subject’s relevancy. This is achieved Read more
At a recent Festival of Learning, Ollie Bray, the strategic director at Education Scotland, delivered a keynote address on the Curriculum Review Cycle and its specific implications for Religious and Moral Education (RME). He emphasized that RME’s position as one of the eight distinct curricular areas is secure and it will not be merged into other faculties like social subjects or humanities. Bray highlighted the unique and vital role RME plays in challenging students to think critically, engage with complex debates, and navigate unfamiliar intellectual contexts. The keynote served as a strong reaffirmation of RME’s importance in developing critically aware young people, noting that RME teachers have been actively involved in the curriculum review consultation process since May 2023.
There are a number of places that you can look to get support with teaching RME/RMPS. We have listed ones we are aware of that are still active below, but please get in touch (hello@starme.co.uk) if we have missed any off the list. RME National Team This is a Team Read more
We hope you’re all enjoying a well-deserved break after a busy start to the school year! We’re excited to kick off the new term with some valuable opportunities for RME educators across Scotland. Regional Teach Meets We’re pleased to announce a new program of Regional Teach Meets designed to foster Read more
There is a host of RME specific CLPL Events coming up that practitioners are encouraged to sign up to. Joe Walker, Senior Education Officer at Education Scotland also send out a regular newsletter highlighting regular events. To be added to his mailing list please contact – Joe.Walker@educationscotland.gov.scot Upcoming Events Artificial Read more
Report from the Scottish Teachers Association of RME (STARME) AGM – 24th August 2023 Chaired by Stuart McKinlay Our first Annual General Meeting since our formation in 2022. This first year has been a year of making connections and building our initial presence. We have met with and formed working Read more