This page is about schools in England. It does not cover Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
The law that applies
- Maintained schools. Each pupil takes part in an act of collective worship on each school day, and the headteacher must secure it (School Standards and Framework Act 1998, section 70). It can be one act for all pupils or separate acts for age or school groups, and in a community school the headteacher arranges it after consulting the governing body (Schedule 20, paragraph 2).
- Character. In a community school, or a foundation school without a religious character, worship is wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character: not every act, but most acts across each school term (Schedule 20, paragraph 3). A school with a religious character follows its trust deed or the tenets of its faith (paragraph 5).
- Academies and free schools. The funding agreement should mirror these requirements, and the DfE’s guidance for academies tells them to follow paragraphs 50 to 88 of Collective worship in schools, Circular 1/94 of January 1994.
- Withdrawal. A parent can ask for a child to be excused, and the child is excused until the request is withdrawn (section 71). A sixth-former can withdraw themselves.
What to do this term
- Check the timetable gives every pupil an act of collective worship each school day. In a school without a religious character, and an academy without a religious designation through its funding agreement, check that most acts this term are broadly Christian unless a determination lifts that rule (from your SACRE, or the Secretary of State for an academy). A school with a religious character follows its trust deed or designation instead.
- Check each assembly plan includes a clear act of worship. Circular 1/94 says collective worship and assembly are distinct activities, even when they happen in one gathering (paragraph 58).
- For each withdrawn pupil, agree with the parent which elements they object to and what notice they want, and plan the pupil’s supervision (paragraphs 84 and 87).
Common pitfalls
- Asking parents for a reason. They are not obliged to give one (Circular 1/94, paragraph 85).
- Assuming an academy has no duty. Its funding agreement should mirror the maintained-school rules, with or without a religious designation.
- Applying for an exemption to the wrong body. A community school asks its SACRE for a determination (Education Act 1996, section 394); an academy without a religious designation applies to the Secretary of State.
Are assembly packs suitable for Church and community schools?
Packs are written for primary collective worship contexts. Edit stories and reflections to match your school ethos and SIAMS or local SACRE expectations.
