Pupils '˜could be allowed to opt out of religious observance'

Older pupils at Scottish schools could be allowed to opt out of religious observance, it has been reported.

A school assembly at Falkirk high school. Picture: SoS licence.

Currently all school pupils need parental permission to withdraw from religious activities.

But according to BBC Scotland, a consultation will be held on whether the policy should be reviewed for 16, 17 and 18-year-olds, in line with similar rules for pupils in England and Wales.

A three-month period will be used to carry out a consultation.

A Scottish government spokesman said: “We believe religious observance in schools should support the values of a diverse, outward-looking Scotland, which encourages young people to develop their own beliefs and values, and understand and respect the beliefs and values of others.

“Listening to the views of young people themselves on all aspects of education is very important, as we have clearly recognised through our approach in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and the current Education Governance Review.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with key interests to discuss how we ensure this approach is fully reflected through religious observance guidance.”