The Department of Education has launched a Call for Evidence on the Review of the Religious Education (RE) Core Syllabus for Northern Ireland.
An online survey will be used to gather views from the public to inform the work of a group of experts, teachers and school leaders which has been set up to take forward the Review.
The Call for Evidence will play an important role alongside extensive stakeholder engagement in shaping the work of the Drafting Group as it revises the RE Core Syllabus.
The review follows a Supreme Court judgment which found that the current RE Core Syllabus does not present information in an objective, critical and pluralistic manner. The existing Core Syllabus is almost 20 years old, and the review aligns with wider reform of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
Education Minister Paul Givan said:
“This is an important opportunity to ensure that the new RE Core Syllabus reflects the needs of learners today and into the future. The Call for Evidence will help to ensure a wide range of views are gathered that can shape the work of the Drafting Group. I would encourage all with an interest in this area to have their say.”
Chair of the Drafting Group, Professor Noel Purdy, added:
“This Call for Evidence will provide us with valuable insights to inform and support our work to review the RE Core Syllabus. We look forward to hearing from a wide range of voices and warmly encourage contributions from parents and carers, children and young people, teachers, school leaders, representatives of faith and non-religious worldviews, and anyone with an interest in the future of religious education in Northern Ireland.”
The Call for Evidence closes on 20th March 2026.
The survey is available at: https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/de/re-review-call-for-evidence/(external link opens in a new window / tab)
