Prof. Noel Purdy appointed to lead review of Religious Education in Northern Ireland

Prof. Noel Purdy OBE, Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, has been appointed to lead a major review of the Religious Education (RE) curriculum in Northern Ireland schools. 

The appointment was announced by Education Minister Paul Givan as part of a comprehensive response to a recent UK Supreme Court judgment on Religious Education and collective worship in schools. 

Professor Purdy will lead the Review of the RE Curriculum alongside vice-chair Mrs Joyce Logue, former Principal of Long Tower Primary School. They will be supported by an expert drafting group comprising teachers from primary and post-primary schools across all sectors. The review will also involve extensive engagement with churches, teachers, school leaders, parents and young people. 

The Minister confirmed that the review will develop a revised RE syllabus that is academically robust, modern in outlook and fully consistent with the Supreme Court ruling. Following a full public consultation, new regulations are expected to be brought forward in autumn 2026, with the revised syllabus implemented from September 2027. 

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Purdy welcomed the opportunity to lead the review.  

“I am delighted to lead this important review. Working collaboratively with stakeholders across Northern Ireland, I am confident we can develop an academically robust RE curriculum that prepares children and young people for life in modern society,” he said. 

Alongside the curriculum review, the Minister announced plans to introduce formal inspection of Religious Education across all schools, bringing RE into line with inspection arrangements for other curriculum subjects. 

New departmental guidance has also been published to strengthen and streamline parents’ right to withdraw their children from Religious Education or collective worship, ensuring the process is practical, effective and free from stigma. 

To find out more about the review, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yeusrbh5