Withdrawal from Religious Education- Parental Referral Form
On 3rd February 2026, the Department of Education issued a circular granting all parents the statutory right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Collective Worship, if they so wish. Parents do not need to state reasons for this request and school must implement this request promptly and without negotiation, usually within 5 working days. The request will then remain in place until the parent submits a written request to end it.
A parent may withdraw their child wholly or partially from RE and/or collective worship. If you wish to withdraw your child, contact reception for the parental withdrawal form or download the form here. Place the completed form in a sealed envelope and mark FAO the Principal (Mrs Redmond) or Senior teacher (Miss Doyle).
You will receive a written acknowledgement of your request within 5 days and the arrangement will begin thereafter. Pupils who have been withdrawn will be supervised in another classroom and will be asked to read or do quiet study.
Please contact Mrs Redmond if you have any questions. Thank you.
St. Mary's Primary School, Altinure, 70 Monadore Rd, Park Village, Derry BT47 4DP | 028 7778 1384
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