Category: Education
Election 2026: School worship opt-out a key priority in children’s rights manifesto
Ahead of the Holyrood elections in May, we’re urging the next Scottish Government to end compulsory school worship and fundamentally reform the practice in non-denominational schools. Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights) has also made an independent pupil opt-out for…
Let’s not withdraw: Philosophy with Children as an alternative
In this guest blog, Professor Claire Cassidy explains why compulsory religious observance (RO) flies in the face of Scotland’s commitment to children’s rights. She also provides a blueprint for an inclusive alternative that encourages pupils to think for themselves: Philosophy…
New FOI data reveals widespread Christian evangelising in Scotland’s schools: Herald exclusive
Newly published analysis of FOI data shows unlawful Christian evangelising is happening in non-denominational schools across Scotland. We’ve teamed up with The Herald to share an exclusive on this. Tell your MSPs to fix it by voting to let pupils…
We raise alarm on possible legal challenges to unlawful religious observance in Herald exclusive
As reported in a Heraldexclusive, we’ve written to education secretary Jenny Gilruth to point out that the Scottish government’s religious observance bill risks court challenge by allowing unlawful Christian preaching in schools. With the date for a final vote on…
Humanist Society Scotland in 2026: The Year Ahead
What has 2026 got in store for the humanist movement in Scotland? With Holyrood elections looming and a new parliament starting in May, we’ve got work to do. Here’s the lowdown on our key campaign areas. Assisted dying Our most…
Preaching is Not Teaching
Young people in Scotland are still made to take part in religious observance at school, no matter their age, maturity or personal beliefs. We need a non-confessional, secular replacement for religious worship in non-denominational Scottish schools.
Amended school worship bill remains flawed as committee rejects pupil opt-out
Just before Christmas, MSPs completed Stage 2 of the Religious Observance Bill. This is where Holyrood committees debate and vote on changes to draft legislation. Our Policy and Campaigns Officer Joe summarises the key decisions of the day, and why…
MSPs voice support for pupil opt-out as Holyrood presses ahead with flawed Religious Observance Bill
The Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill has passed a first-stage vote in the Scottish Parliament. We welcome MSPs’ decision to agree to the general principles of the Bill. But there’s still crucial…
Two-thirds of Scots support independent pupil opt-out for religious observance, new poll shows
A new poll on the public’s view of religion in schools is published ahead of a key vote at Holyrood today. MSPs will debate the ‘Religious Observance’ Bill for the first time this afternoon (25 November). Humanist Society Scotland continue…
‘Children are not stakeholders to be appeased’: Education Secretary criticised for bowing to church pressure over school worship bill
Humanist Society Scotland has called out comments made by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills at the Holyrood equalities committee today. Jenny Gilruth MSP was giving evidence on the government’s Religious Observance Bill. The proposals fail to protect non-religious…
Take action to end compulsory religious worship in schools! Contact your MSPs, donate to our campaign fundraiser
The Scottish Parliament will soon vote on a new Bill to reform opt-out rights for religious observance in schools. With our new letter template, you can tell your MSPs why school pupils deserve the right to opt themselves out. Support…