KS3 Religious Education: What Pupils Study in Years 7, 8 and 9

Why is RE taught differently from other subjects at KS3?

In England, RE has a unique constitutional position: it is required by the Education Act 1996 but deliberately kept outside the national curriculum to preserve local and parental influence over its content. Each SACRE produces a locally agreed syllabus, and schools must follow this syllabus unless they have a religious character (faith schools) in which case their governors set the content.

The practical effect is that two children in neighbouring boroughs can study quite different religions and themes in Years 7 to 9, and the depth of study can vary significantly between schools.

What religions are covered in KS3 Religious Education?

Government guidance states that RE must reflect the fact that Britain's religious traditions are in the main Christian, while also taking account of the teaching and practices of other principal religions. In practice, almost all KS3 programmes include:

Many SACREs also include units on secular worldviews — humanism in particular — and thematic units covering ethical topics (euthanasia, animal rights, poverty, war) rather than purely faith-specific content.

What themes and skills are developed in KS3 RE?

Good KS3 RE teaching develops two distinct types of skill:

Learning about religions: understanding factual content — beliefs, practices, texts, traditions — accurately and without caricature. Pupils are expected to use specialist vocabulary correctly (for example, distinguishing salvation from redemption, or prayer from meditation).

Learning from religions: applying religious and philosophical ideas to ethical questions, evaluating different viewpoints, and articulating a reasoned personal response. This is the skill most directly tested in GCSE Religious Studies exam questions.

By the end of Year 9, pupils should be able to:

1. Describe the core beliefs and practices of at least two world religions in detail
2. Explain why believers hold those views, using specific textual or doctrinal evidence
3. Construct a multi-sided argument on an ethical question using religious and non-religious perspectives
4. Express and justify a personal view with relevant reasons

How is KS3 RE assessed?

RE assessment at KS3 varies widely between schools. There are no national tests or standardised assessments. Typical approaches include:

• Unit assessments: an extended written answer (often 12–20 marks) requiring pupils to describe a belief, explain a practice, and evaluate an ethical question
• Source analysis: interpreting a religious text, a case study, or a newspaper extract
• Verbal discussion grades: some schools assess oracy skills through debates and discussion
• School reports: pupils receive a grade or progress level for RE alongside other subjects, though grading criteria vary

Parents should note that withdrawal from RE is legally permitted: parents can withdraw their child from all or part of RE lessons without giving a reason. Sixth-form students can also withdraw themselves. This right does not extend to other compulsory subjects.

How does KS3 RE prepare pupils for GCSE Religious Studies?

GCSE Religious Studies (which is the examined qualification that RE leads into) tests both factual knowledge of religions and the ability to construct arguments on ethical and philosophical questions. The preparation link between KS3 RE and GCSE RS is direct:

GCSE RS is not available at every school, as schools are not required to offer it. If your child enjoys RE and is likely to choose it at GCSE, check at the options evening whether it is on offer and which specification and exam board the school uses.

What is the difference between RE and GCSE Religious Studies?

RE is the school subject — mandatory throughout KS3. GCSE Religious Studies is the optional examined qualification that a pupil may choose to take in Years 10 and 11. They cover similar ground but the GCSE is formally assessed by an exam board (most commonly AQA, OCR, or Eduqas) and contributes to the school's league table results. A pupil who does not choose GCSE RS will still attend RE lessons throughout Year 10 and Year 11, though those lessons may focus on personal, social and health education (PSHE) themes rather than exam preparation.

Frequently asked questions

Does RE count towards Progress 8?

No. GCSE Religious Studies does not count towards the Progress 8 or Attainment 8 measures unless it falls into the Open slot — but it must compete with other option subjects for that position. Schools that want to protect their Progress 8 score sometimes discourage pupils from choosing RS if they have other options available. This is a commercial incentive, not an educational one, and parents should weigh it accordingly.

Can a parent withdraw their child from RE?

Yes. The right to withdraw a child from RE is one of the few absolute parental rights in school education. Parents do not need to give a reason, and the school cannot question or delay the withdrawal. In practice, most parents find that well-taught RE helps children understand the world around them, and the right is used only in a small minority of cases. If you are concerned about specific content in the locally agreed syllabus, ask to see the syllabus and raise questions with the SACRE rather than the school.

Is RE the same as PSHE?

No, though schools sometimes combine them on the timetable. RE focuses on religious beliefs, practices, and ethical questions through a philosophical lens. PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) covers relationships, mental health, citizenship, and career education. They are distinct subjects with distinct intended learning outcomes, and strong schools keep them separate.

What if my child's school teaches very little RE?

RE is required by law, but inspection of RE delivery is not always robust. If you believe your child is receiving less RE than required, you can raise this with the school's governors or contact your local SACRE for advice on the minimum entitlement. The locally agreed syllabus will specify the minimum time to be dedicated to RE at KS3.

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