Northern Ireland poll reveals most parents want less church influence and a more inclusive approach to religion in schools

A new poll commissioned by Northern Ireland Humanists has revealed that most adults aged 18-54 – those most likely to have children currently in school – strongly support changing how religion is taught and practised in Northern Ireland’s classrooms.

The poll was carried out by LucidTalk and explored three key issues: compulsory collective worship, Religious Education, and church involvement in school governance. The findings suggest that people across the board are unhappy with the dominant role Christianity still plays in schools.

72% didn’t know of the legal requirement for schools to hold daily Christian worship. 53% think ‘the requirement to provide a daily act of collective worship in schools should not be compulsory’,  while just 34% think it should remain compulsory. Northern Ireland Humanists believes these findings show legislation is out of step with modern families, many of whom hold diverse religious or non-religious beliefs. Northern Ireland Humanists want inclusive assemblies for all instead, allowing pupils to gather without a requirement to participate in religious practices.

The poll also asked what the focus of Religious Education (RE) should be. Schools in Northern Ireland largely concentrate on Christianity, but only 32% backed an approach of Christian instruction. Most respondents (55%) in the 18-54 age range said RE should cover a broad range of religious and non-religious worldviews. This would more accurately reflect the diversity of beliefs and worldviews within modern Northern Irish society. A further 11% thought RE should be abolished entirely. 

55% of respondents said they do not agree with the legal requirement for church representatives to have seats on school boards, with only 36% backing the status quo. This means this arrangement again does not reflect parents’ wishes. The views expressed in this poll show a broad appetite for governance reforms that would place decision-making in the hands of educational professionals, parents, and communities rather than religious institutions.

Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator, Boyd Sleator, commented:

‘The results of this polling make it clear that parents want a more inclusive education system reflecting the diverse beliefs of modern Northern Ireland. Many people aren’t aware of the extent to which schools are required to follow religious practices, and when they are, they overwhelmingly support change.

‘We believe replacing compulsory worship with inclusive assemblies would make sure that all pupils feel welcome, no matter their background. Likewise, Religious Education should be broad and balanced, helping young people understand a wide range of worldviews, including humanism.

‘It’s also clear that there is a real appetite for reform when it comes to school governance. The fact that most parent-age respondents don’t support automatic church seats on school boards raises important questions about whether this system is delivering on what parents want for their children’s education.’

Northern Ireland Humanists says it is committed to working with policymakers, schools, and families to reform the system. It provides parents guidance on issues like collective worship and RE.