Religion at UK schools

Kilgraston 020UK boarding schools welcome pupils of all religious faiths

Every independent boarding school in the UK has a mission statement that outlines the ultimate purpose, ideals and aims of the school. It is the motivating factor behind all policies and actions, and includes the principles by which the school is directed. The statement may also highlight the methods of achieving these aims and perhaps some of the methods of accomplishing the mission of the school.

Many schools are originally of a religious foundation, which may have an influence on the mission statement. They will have a particular spiritual basis and code, which may be a significant part of the education offered. The UK also has many secular schools, which have no particular religious affinity, to choose from.

An all-round education

A boarding school will, by its very nature, take on the responsibility of the whole life and being of the pupil. The school will act in the child’s best interest, acting in the role of the parents while the pupil is in its care. Using its pastoral and academic structures, the school and its teaching staff will ensure that each pupil is nurtured fully and appropriately. The child’s parents are fully involved in this, and will be constantly contacted and advised.

Part of the all-round education offered by boarding schools is the spiritual and core values of humanity. To those who have a faith and follow a religion, the variety of instruction and practice is enormous. For those without a particular faith, there are secular schools. If, however, those without religious beliefs attend faith-based schools that have a religious timetable, then the child will need to follow their customs. Each school will differ in its policy on these matters – there may be either a strict adherence or some leeway. Every headteacher or registrar will be open to answering questions and explaining the details of their policy.

Accommodating to all faiths

All religious faiths are accommodated in independent boarding schools in the UK, although some schools are more sympathetic than others to differing customs and practices, such as special dietary requirements, specific times and places of prayer and worship, particular clothing, and a general accommodation of an ethos.

Schools with a religious emphasis frequently accept pupils from a wide range of faith backgrounds. Different denominations are also acknowledged and this can add to the breadth of educational experience. These faith schools may expect sympathy towards their belief systems, and may require pupils to attend religious services and activities.

Religious worship at school

There are a variety of styles and frequencies of religious worship. School assemblies may be daily or weekly, and may be specifically religious in content or they may simply be for the carrying out of school business. Assemblies may be held within the boarding houses or by year group, and there may be morning and evening prayers. Again, the frequency of occurrence will vary from school to school. Most schools will have a weekly service of worship. In schools of Christian foundation, these will be on a Sunday in a designated chapel. Some will provide alternatives to public communal worship, in the form of lectures or times of silence running concurrently with the service.

A particular person usually heads the religious practices and worship. It may be an ordained chaplain, a layperson (someone who is not a religious minister) or even a team of people. They will be available for consultation or simply for the pupils to discuss anything and everything. There may be a place of quiet, for reading or for praying, associated with these ministries.

royal_russell_school_chapel2Religious studies

The UK Government stipulates by law that some areas of religious beliefs are to be studied during a child’s compulsory education. Some schools offer specific courses in theology and philosophy leading to qualifications such as GCSEs and A-levels.

As well as academic study, most schools provide opportunities for students to carry out public service. This may be community service, work with local, national or international charities, opportunities to develop social and interpersonal relationships, and all that is necessary to provide an all-round education for each individual.

A caring environment

The core values of a school need to be researched. It is important to visit any religious facilities and to speak to those in charge of religious education and practice. Of course, there will also be societies, clubs and opportunities for further personal and communal development of spiritual beliefs and values. The environment of the boarding school will itself be a caring one aimed at giving each child the opportunities needed to develop their personal talents to the full.

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