We are thrilled to welcome Morag Carrie from Beeslack High School to the line-up! Morag will be presenting her innovative project designed to weave literacy and RME together through the study of ‘Movers and Shakers.’ If you are looking for ways to increase personalisation and choice in your classroom while maintaining clear links to 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.
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 The core problem remains: the outdated right of withdrawal from RME is still retained, treating a core, non-confessional academic subject like an optional, confessional activity.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.
Critical Deadline: Stage 1 Debate is November 25th! The Stage 1 debate on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025. This means we have a matter of days, to ensure the professional voice of Religious and Read more
As the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill goes through the committee stage at the Scottish Parliament, we have been asked to provide a response to the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice committee on the proposed changes. This highlights views expressed by Read more
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: