ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to introduce the broad context in which Religious Education (RE) takes place, in particular, the system of schooling in England and Wales. It first describes the dual system of partnership between the state and a variety of faith communities in terms of the provision of schooling, focusing especially on the various types of school and their historical background. It then goes on to outline the current legal requirements for RE and collective worship, as well as the current school inspection arrangements in these two areas of the curriculum. The final part of the chapter explores and explains the nature of the basic distinction between ‘confessional’ and ‘non-confessional’ RE.
