Secular Education Forum

The Secular Education Forum (SEF) provides expert and professional advice and opinion to the National Secular Society (NSS) on issues related to education and provides a forum for anyone with expertise in the intersection of education and secularism.

The SEF's main objective is to advocate the value of secularism/religious neutrality as a professional standard in education. The SEF welcomes supporters of all faiths and none. It provides expert support for the NSS working towards a secular education system free from religious privilege, proselytization, partisanship or discrimination.

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Membership of the Secular Education Forum is intended for education professionals (including current, former and trainee professionals) and those with a particular expertise in the intersection of secularism and education. All requests to join will be considered after signing up to the mailing list.


Education blogs and commentary

A selection of blogs and comment pieces on education and secularism. For education news from the NSS, please click here.

Malcolm Lightbody, Unsplash

Time to bring policies on religion in line with public opinion

Posted: Tue, 9th Jan 2024

As yet another study confirms Brits aren't keen on religion, Megan Manson says politicians should reflect public opinion by reeling in religious privilege.

Atharva Whaval, Unsplash

Religion should not be a roadblock to child safeguarding in healthcare

Posted: Tue, 2nd Jan 2024

A new paper highlights barriers to reforming guidance on non-therapeutic circumcision. The author, Dr Antony Lempert, explains why religion is one of the biggest barriers of all.

Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Secularism in 2023: A year in review

Posted: Wed, 27th Dec 2023

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the moments, stories, and insights that shaped our work, through the blogs we've published.

The universality of human rights needs defending

The universality of human rights needs defending

Posted: Thu, 7th Dec 2023

Seventy-five years on from the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, its promise of freedom and equality remains a distant dream for those living under religious rule, says Stephen Evans.

The time to disestablish the Church of England has come

The time to disestablish the Church of England has come

Posted: Wed, 6th Dec 2023

Lib Dem peer Paul Scriven explains why he has introduced a bill in parliament to separate Church and state.