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.
The Christmas Conundrum: An RMPS Escape Room Looking for a festive end-of-term activity? STARME member Sarah Blair shares a new downloadable escape room! Students are recruited by the North Pole Council to solve clues, unlock Santa’s Workshop, and recover the “Key of Kindness.” Perfect for RMPS classes, this ready-to-use PowerPoint comes complete with solutions and teacher notes.
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.
Despite broad support from the Equalities Committee and MSPs for decoupling Religious and Moral Education (RME) from Religious Observance (RO), the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill still threatens RME’s status. The core problem remains: the outdated right of withdrawal from RME is still retained, treating a core, non-confessional academic subject like an optional, confessional activity.
STARME is issuing an urgent call to action: We need every member to contact their MSPs now to ensure Stage 2 amendments are lodged and supported to remove the right of withdrawal from RME entirely. This is the critical window to safeguard the future integrity and mandatory nature of RME for all Scottish pupils.
Have you had an amazing idea for how to progress your RME practice but just have no time to develop it? Want to complete a bit of research but aren’t sure where to start? Always dreamed of going to University of Oxford? The Farmington Scholarship is a fabulous initiative that not many people know about. The Farmington Institute funds around 30 scholars every year to undertake some research into a project of their choice. This could be the development of a series of lessons, a primary transition plan, a research piece into something you are passionate about, or an IDL project you’ve always dreamed of. Anything that enhances and improves Religious Education in your context. Find out how you can gain the gift of time and professional development that will benefit your students and the wider RMPS community.
Discover Your RME Teaching Style! Ever wondered what kind of RME teacher you really are? Are you a philosophical guide encouraging deep thinking, or a passionate activist inspiring change? Do you weave captivating stories to bring ancient beliefs to life, or do you use data and evidence to explore the Read more
Stephen C. Scholes (2025): The Marginalization of Religious Education: Solutions for a Shared Challenge from Scotland, Religious Education, DOI: 10.1080/00344087.2025.2541484 This journal article by Dr Stephen C. Scholes, Senior Lecturer in Education at Queen Margaret University, investigates the marginalization of Religious Education (RE) in Scottish schools, building upon international discussions within Read more
Following from her session at the Festival of Learning, Fiona Moss, Culham St Gabriels, will be sharing more about Religion and World View approach to RME. This will be an interesting session to consider and understand expecially in a time of curriculum change.
The Scottish Government has introduced a new Bill changing how pupils can be withdrawn from religious instruction and observance. It also updates how public authorities balance duties under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Scotland) Act 2024.
The consultation is open until 1st September, and STARME wants to hear from our members! Share your views and find out more here: