Purdy et al (2026) Faith in our Schools: Evaluating the role of Christian churches and organisations in Northern Ireland schools

Abstract

This mixed-methods study, commissioned by Scripture Union Northern Ireland and with data collected between March and June 2025, evaluates the role of Christian churches and organisations in schools across Northern Ireland. It explores both the nature of their engagement and the perceived value of their involvement. The study is set against a backdrop of increasing religious diversity as well as concerns raised by some parents around the nature of Religious Education and Collective Worship in schools, leading to the JR87 Supreme Court judgement of November 2025.

The research set out to address two central research questions:

1. What is the nature, extent and purpose of school engagement by Christian churches and organisations in Northern Ireland?
2. What is the perceived value of that engagement from the perspective of the school community (e.g., governors, school leaders, staff, pupils, parents)?

The findings from the study provide clear evidence that Christian engagement in schools across Northern Ireland remains both widespread and, for the most part, highly valued for its spiritual, moral, pastoral and practical contribution. At the same time, the study highlights minority but significant concerns in relation to the engagement by some Christian churches and organisations including poor communication and transparency, limited adaptation to diversity, a lack of evaluation, and the potential stigma associated with the statutory right of withdrawal.  The study concludes with a number of key recommendations:

1. Recognise and communicate the enduring contribution of churches and Christian organisations. The value of that engagement, spiritual, moral, pastoral and practical, should be more widely acknowledged, with providers encouraged to better articulate the contribution they offer.
2. Strengthen transparency and parental communication. Develop an agreed engagement protocol to ensure proactive information-sharing and avoid misunderstandings.
3. Respect choice and minimise stigma. Manage pupil withdrawal rights sensitively to protect inclusion while upholding legislation.
4. Develop training for all those engaging with schools. Equip clergy, ministry leaders and volunteers with cultural awareness and practical guidance.
5. Evaluate impact. Encourage both churches and Christian organisations to adopt more systematic evaluation and to support schools in assessing external provision.
6. Ensure clarity of ethos. Schools should review and articulate their ethos clearly to reduce ambiguity.
7. Support school leaders. The Department of Education and the different sectoral bodies should provide clear policy guidance and professional development for principals as they seek to maintain a Christian ethos while also accommodating the beliefs and expectations of an increasingly diverse school population.
8. Commission further research. Larger-scale surveys, independent evaluations and longitudinal studies are needed to provide more robust evidence.