Most school leaders do not agree with collective worship law

 (Photo: Unsplash)

A new poll has found that most school leaders oppose the legal requirement to hold collective worship in schools in England. 

According to the poll of 2,000 senior leaders of primary and secondary schools in the country, nearly three quarters (70%) disagree or strongly disagree with it. 

Current law requires schools to hold daily acts of collective worship and states that this must be "wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character".

Only one in 10 (12%) of senior leaders were in favour of the current law requiring collective worship. 

The figures come from a survey by Teacher Tapp on behalf of the National Secular Society and were published alongside previously unreleased 2022 polling data in which two thirds of teachers said their school does not hold collective worship. 

This rose to over three quarters (79%) of teachers from schools without a religious character and 84% among those teaching at secondary schools. The 2022 poll asked the views of 7,600 school teachers.

News
Christian killings in Nigeria could double in 2026 if extremist threat is not dealt with - report
Christian killings in Nigeria could double in 2026 if extremist threat is not dealt with - report

Already more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than all other countries combined.

Church group praying after New Year's fire tragedy in Switzerland
Church group praying after New Year's fire tragedy in Switzerland

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches said it was a "moment of unimaginable grief and sorrow" for Switzerland.

The story of New Year’s resolutions
The story of New Year’s resolutions

1 January is when people traditionally start the new year with a fresh resolution. This is the story …

Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.