ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to explain the place of religion within the schools system in England and to explore from a legal perspective the problems that have arisen against a changing social context. It also explores how personal religious freedom is protected within the education system, an area giving rise to difficult legal questions. Religious education is a compulsory element of the basic curriculum in all maintained schools while there is also a statutory requirement that pupils should take part in a daily act of collective worship. Schools without a religious character have a statutory duty to hold a daily act of collective worship. Discipline frequently gives rise to conflict between schools and parents. The Education Act 1944 aimed to establish a statemaintained system ensuring a suitable education for all to age fifteen, later sixteen. The Coalition government has also facilitated the establishment of 'free' schools, a model influenced by Swedish free schools and United States charter schools.
