Petition · Department for Education
Ban state schools from making Religious Studies a mandatory GCSE subject
Closed
42 signatures
What the petition asks
We call on the government to ensure that Religious Studies is not a compulsory GCSE subject in state schools. We believe that students should have the freedom to choose subjects that align with their interests and beliefs.
GCSE results can have a massive impact on a student’s study opportunities after year 11, and forcing them to take exams on religions that they may not believe in could mean that their grades may suffer, limiting future study options. I think that students should focus on subjects that align with their interests, not be forced into Religious Studies.
Timeline
| 28 Mar 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 28 Sep 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
42
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Education
Opened
28 Mar 2025
Closed
28 Sep 2025
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 21 Aug 2026.