Children can override parents’ wishes at schools in Scotland

Christian Concern’s Head of Education Steve Beegoo on new rules in Scotland that mean pupils’ choices trump parents’ responsibilities

Last month, the Scottish government passed legislation that places children’s rights in direct tension with the responsibilities of parents.

By removing the long‑held parental right to withdraw a son or daughter from Religious Education, now reframed as Religious and Moral Education (RME), the state has continued its over-reach into family life.

New powers given to schools mean that if a pupil objects to being withdrawn from Religious Observance (RO) activities such as assemblies, the school must prioritise the child’s wishes above those of the parent.

Niel Deepnarain, the founder of Unite for Education Scotland explained, “While the Bill is framed around children’s rights, it raises profound questions about the balance of responsibilities between the state, the school, the child, and the family. At Unite for Education, we recognise the importance of listening to children and respecting their developing capacities. However, we also believe that parents are the primary educators of their children, especially in areas of faith, values, and worldview. This Bill signals a shift in how Scotland understands that relationship. And for many families, this shift feels like a diminishing of the parental role, rather than a partnership with it. We at Unite for Education continue to advocate for an education system that honours God, respects parents, and upholds the vital role of families in shaping this generation and the next”