Almost all schools in Scotland are split between Denominational (almost all Catholic) schools and Non-denominational (in theory community schools, but traditionally seen as Church of Scotland) schools.
Traditionally denominational schools in Scotland haven't applied religious discrimination in admissions, but this is subject to change if approved by local authorities. Religious discrimination is permitted in employment at these schools.
Schools are overseen by local education authorities, which must have three unelected religious representatives at least one of which needs to be appointed each by the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church.
Non-denominational schools
These are also known as 'local schools'.
Governance |
Overseen by local education authorities, which must have three unelected religious representatives. At least one of these must be appointed each by the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church. |
Religious education (called “Religious and Moral Education”, RME, at non-denominational schools) |
Must include the study of Christianity as it has “shaped the history and traditions of Scotland and continues to exert an influence on national life”. But other “world religions” should also be included. |
Religious observance (similar to collective worship) |
Must hold “community acts which aim to promote the spiritual development of all members of the school’s community and express and celebrate the shared values of the school community.” Schools are encouraged to draw upon Christian tradition but must also ‘reflect and understand’ Scottish diversity while being ‘sensitive’ to traditions as well as ‘individual spiritual needs and beliefs’. Secular terms such as “time for reflection” may be used to describe this instead of “religious observance”. Should occur “several times a year”. |
Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Education |
Not mandatory. |
Admissions |
No religious selection. The local council, rather than parents, decides which school a child is given a place at. Parents can request a place at another school, but whether this request is granted depends on whether there are free places. |
Staff/employment |
The school cannot discriminate on religious grounds. |
Funding/capital |
Managed by the education authority (the local council) |
Denominational schools
The vast majority of denominational schools in Scotland are Roman Catholic.
Governance |
Overseen by local education authorities, which must have three unelected religious representatives. At least one of these must be appointed each by the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church. |
Religious education |
The Catholic Education Commission sets out the RE curriculum on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. The RE curriculum in Catholic schools is explicitly evangelistic. Guidance from the Scottish government says: “Religious education in the Catholic school considers the significance of faith from the perspective of the life of the person and of the faith community. It does not study religion as a phenomenon from an external perspective”. |
Religious observance (similar to collective worship) |
Catholic liturgy will “largely share the nature and frequency” of religious observance. |
Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Education |
Not mandatory. The government says it supports the right of the Catholic Church to “uphold the traditions of Catholic education” with regard to RSHPE. Religious authorities with a role in denominational education provide guidance on RSHP education for denominational schools. |
Admissions |
The local council, rather than parents, decides which school a child is given a place at. Parents can request a place at another school, but whether this request is granted depends on whether there are free places. |
Staff/employment |
The process of applying to teach at Catholic schools usually requires a Catholic Teaching Certificate. Applicants also need to submit forms confirming their commitment to "supporting and developing the ethos of Catholic education", with a religious reference, for approval by the local bishop. Posts of headteacher, deputy headteacher and head of religious education must be filled by baptised and practising Catholics. |
Funding/capital |
Managed by the education authority (the local council) |
Independent schools
Independent schools are those which are not funded by the state.
While the National Secular Society does not oppose independent faith schools, we believe that all independent schools, whatever their ethos, should be fully compliant with the law and prioritise children's education and welfare above any religious considerations.
All independent schools in Scotland which provide full-time education for at least five pupils of school age must register with the Scottish Government Education Department.
Governance |
Independent in their governance. |
Religious education |
No legal requirement to teach RE, and those which do may teach any form they like. There is no legal right of withdrawal. |
Religious observance (similar to collective worship) |
No legal requirement to hold religious observance, and those which do may hold it in any form they like. There is no legal right of withdrawal. |
Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Education |
Not mandatory. |
Admissions |
Free to select their pupils on the basis of religion. |
Staff/employment |
Staff can be subject to religious discrimination if there is a 'genuine occupational requirement'. |
Funding/capital |
Usually charge fees. |
