Review of Religious Education (RE) in NI - Call for Evidence

Overview

The Department of Education is carrying out a review of the Religious Education (RE) Core Syllabus for in Northern Ireland. The review will cover Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4 (Year 1 to Year 12) 

The review follows a Supreme Court judgment that concluded the current RE Core Syllabus does not convey information in an objective, critical and pluralistic manner. The existing syllabus is nearly 20 years old, and the review aligns with the wider reform of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. 

Find out more about the review of the RE Core Syllabus.  

Read the Terms of Reference. 

The review will be led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE and Mrs Joyce Logue, supported by an expert drafting group made up of experienced primary and post-primary teachers from across all school sectors.  

The review will involve extensive engagement with a wide range of key stakeholders including churches, other faith communities, teachers, school leaders, parents and young people to ensure a balanced and inclusive evidence base.  

Why your views matter

This Call for Evidence forms one element of the evidence-gathering process to inform the ongoing review. Responses will be considered in conjunction with the insights gained from the broader stakeholder engagement conducted during March and April 2026.

Separate submissions are also welcome and should be sent to re.review@education-ni.gov.uk 

The aim is to develop a revised Core Syllabus for RE in Northern Ireland that is academically robust, modern in outlook and fully consistent with existing statutory requirements and the recent Supreme Court judgment.  

(Note that Collective Worship is not part of the Review of the RE Core Syllabus).