Collective worship: how schools opt out
Schools are increasingly not holding collective worship sessions, such as Christian assemblies, a survey has found.
Almost two thirds of parents questioned said their child did not attend a form of communal worship at school, such as a Christian assembly.
The duty on schools to provide a daily act of Christian worship dates back to 1944 but was strengthened in the 1988 education act.
Schools can apply to the local authority Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE), made up of school and faith representatives, for an exemption from the "broadly Christian" requirement for some or all of their pupils.
If this "determination" is granted, the school must provide alternative worship for these pupils.
In 2007, sixth forms were given the right to opt-out of collective worship and in 2008, a committee of MPs recommended that under-16s should also be given the choice.
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The Telegraph
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