Determination

The law requires all schools that do not have a religious foundation to provide "a daily act of collective worship" for all pupils in the school, other than those withdrawn at the request of their parents.

Where a headteacher considers that the requirement to provide worship that is wholly or predominately Christian could conflict with the requirement to provide worship that accords with the family backgrounds of pupils, schools can apply for a determination to lift or modify the requirement.

Maintained schools should apply to Ealing SACRE and academies should apply through the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Before requesting a determination a headteacher must consult the school’s governing board, who in turn may wish to seek the views of parents. The headteacher's application may relate either to a clearly described and defined group or to the whole school.

The documents below give further information about the process.