Publications - Religious Education Council of England and Wales

What is it for? This code aims to complement the GTCE’s general code for teachers. When that code was being drawn up, there was some concern about the implications of ‘demonstrating respect for diversity and promoting equality’ and whether that principle might ever come into conflict with a teacher’s sense of integrity in relation to his or her own beliefs. This proposed code for teachers of RE is designed to help reassure teachers of RE themselves as well as pupils, parents and colleagues that a professional approach to such issues can and will be observed.

Who wrote it? This document has been drawn up by an RE Council working group with representation from NATRE, AREIAC, NASACRE and several religious/non religious belief traditions. It has been sent out for consultation through AREIAC, NATRE and the REC and account has been taken of the responses received.

Are RE teachers required to follow it? Unlike the GTCE code, this one is voluntary but it is hoped that the principles and examples it sets out will be of sufficient worth for them to gain widespread acceptance amongst teachers of RE. The ideal would be for them to be used by teachers of any subject who address issues of religion and belief in their own area.

Download the Practice Code for Teachers of RE

Useful further reading

NS Framework for RE

Non Statutory Framework for Religious Education

This framework is the result of extensive consultation across the RE community. It was agreed by all the faith and belief organisations, plus the academic and professional associations in the RE Council, and formally endorsed by religious leaders individually. It was published by the QCA for the DfES in 2004 and sets out why RE is important. It also suggests the kind of outcomes from the subject which children and young people deserve from education throughout the country.

Non Statutory Framework for Religious Education

Guidance for teachers on resource selection

for teachers of RE, Citizenship, PSHE and other subjects
from the Religious Education Council of England and Wales

Teachers – are you sure that when you choose resources dealing with religion, they…

are factually correct?
are sensitive and will not cause offence to students and their families?
convey a fair and balanced view of religious traditions?
carry an authentic voice?

Something to say

The RE Council's leaflet promoting Religious Education can be downloaded from the link below. Multiple printed copies of this leaflet are available free of charge to individuals and organisations who can make use of them in helping to increase public understanding of the nature and value of religious education. To place an order, please email your request to

Download the Leaflet

Toolkit Case Study

Thoughtful reflection before the inter-faith dialogue begins Christian Pountain, Head of RE at St. Christopher’s C.E. High School, Accrington, tells of the usefulness of the new REC Media toolkit and how it became part of his vision to saturate a major interfaith event in his school with media coverage.
Read more...

RE Council leaflet

This new leaflet outlines the aims, current activities and membership of the REC. It can be downloaded here. Printed copies can be obtained on request from .

The RE Teacher's Media Toolkit

RE Teacher's Media Toolkit A guide to generating positive local media coverage for religious education. The guide includes ideas for stories; tips for news releases; and for avoiding pitfalls.

Download the media toolkit

Media toolkit consent form

Religious Education Teaching and Training

Religious Education Teaching and Training in England: current provision and future improvement.