January 8th, 2026

Following the UK Supreme Court’s November 2025 ruling that exposed serious flaws in Northern Ireland’s religious education system, Workers Party Northern Regional spokesperson Nicola Grant has called for strictly non-denominational input in overhauling the curriculum. The November ruling confirmed a previous High Court decision, which found that religious education was not taught in a “critical, objective, and pluralistic” way, and emphasized that even opt-out provisions would not meet human rights standards if they burden parents.

According to Ms Grant, “the recent Supreme Court judgment exposes the deep flaws in Northern Ireland’s segregated education system, which has allowed religious groups to maintain control over the religious education syllabus. We believe that education should foster critical thinking and intellectual enquiry, and this can only be achieved through a secular framework free from religious influence. The Workers Party would support a curriculum that teaches about religion but does not promote any particular faith or religious worldview.”

Minister’s Response

This decision has sparked debate over the current state of religious education in Northern Ireland. DUP Education Minister Paul Givan has suggested that Christianity could remain a central feature of the curriculum, but critics question whether this aligns with the Supreme Court’s requirement for objectivity and pluralism.

Nicola Grant has rejected Givan’s position, stating that “the suggestion that a curriculum based on the moral superiority of Christianity could meet the Court’s standards is misleading. Any curriculum that presents one religion as morally superior, especially in a divided yet increasingly pluralistic society like Northern Ireland, cannot claim to be objective or neutral. We are committed to a future where religious education in public schools is taught in a way that respects all beliefs, including those of non-believers, and avoids indoctrination in any form.”

Collective Worship and Legal Challenges

The issue of collective worship in schools is also under scrutiny. While Givan plans to explore potential opt-out arrangements, the Supreme Court’s ruling makes clear that such provisions must not unduly burden parents.

A Secular Approach is Required

Nicola Grant points out that census results and recent surveys show a significant portion of Northern Ireland’s population is non-religious, with many nominally religious people attending religious services infrequently. This shift highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to religious education: “we firmly believe that religion is a personal matter that should not be mediated by the state. The state has a responsibility to ensure that education is secular, allowing for the critical study of religion. It is the only way to guarantee that every child in Northern Ireland can receive an education free from indoctrination. The Workers Party will continue to advocate for a non-denominational, inclusive approach to religious education in Northern Ireland’s schools, and will press for real reform that reflects the diverse nature of our society.”

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