Ban state schools from making Religious Studies a mandatory GCSE subject

42
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closedDepartment for EducationOpened 28 March 2025Closed 28 September 2025

Background

We call on the government to ensure that Religious Studies is not a compulsory GCSE subject in state schools. We believe that students should have the freedom to choose subjects that align with their interests and beliefs.

Additional details

GCSE results can have a massive impact on a student’s study opportunities after year 11, and forcing them to take exams on religions that they may not believe in could mean that their grades may suffer, limiting future study options. I think that students should focus on subjects that align with their interests, not be forced into Religious Studies.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 716922.