The UK’s top court ruled in November 2025 that current practice in Northern Ireland schools is at odds with Article 2 of Protocol 1 and Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The proceedings were brought by a young girl, anonymised as JR87, and her father, G, represented by Belfast firm Phoenix Law.

Paul Givan yesterday announced plans for a review of the the religious education (RE) curriculum and the introduction of formal inspection of RE across all schools.

Collective worship will continue in schools, but new guidance has been published to “strengthen and streamline” the right of withdrawal from both collective worship and RE.

The review of the RE Curriculum will be jointly led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE, director of research and scholarship at Stranmillis University College, and Joyce Logue, a former principal of Long Tower Primary School.

The pair will be supported by an expert drafting group comprising teachers from primary and post-primary schools across all sectors, which will engage with churches, teachers, school leaders, parents and young people.

Mr Givan said: “The review launched today will develop a revised RE syllabus that is academically robust, modern in outlook and fully consistent with the Supreme Court judgment.

“Following full public consultation, I anticipate bringing forward new regulations in autumn 2026, with the new syllabus implemented from September 2027.”

He added: “This is an opportunity to strengthen RE as an academic discipline.

“Christianity will remain central to the syllabus. Given our historical, cultural and legal foundations, it is right that Christianity continues to provide the core focus for RE in Northern Ireland.”

Legislation will be introduced within the current Assembly mandate to ensure “robust, transparent and accountable inspection” of RE, the minister added.

Mr Givan concluded: “While this review proceeds, it is important that schools deliver religious education in a way that complies with the current law.

“The Supreme Court was clear that RE can continue to be taught lawfully if schools ensure that additional, objective, critical and pluralistic material is included alongside the existing core syllabus.

“Together, these measures represent a balanced and measured response to the Supreme Court judgment. They will strengthen the RE curriculum, introduce inspection and protect parental rights.”