Explanatory Notes

Equality Act 2010

2010 CHAPTER 15

8 April 2010

Commentary on Sections

Part 16: General and Miscellaneous

Schedule 11: Schools: exceptions

Part 2: Religious or belief-related discrimination
Curriculum, worship etc.: paragraph 6
Background

870.This exception applies to any school, not just faith schools, and reflects the need to avoid any conflict with the existing legislative framework in respect of religious worship in schools, which generally requires collective worship to be of a broadly Christian nature. While parents can remove their children from collective worship, and sixth form pupils may decide to withdraw themselves, schools are under no obligation to provide opportunities for separate worship for the different religions and beliefs represented among their pupils. The exception in paragraph 6 maintains that position. It is designed to replicate the position in the Equality Act 2006.