NSS backs school’s decision to end Easter church service

The National Secular Society has backed a school's decision to not hold an Easter church service.

Norwood Primary School, a nonreligious academy, said that by not holding "specific religious celebrations", it aimed to create a more inclusive atmosphere that "honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families".

The school says the decision was made following consultation with parents.

In a subsequent letter responding to criticism of the decision, the school made clear that pupils would continue to "learn about and celebrate Easter" in both religious education and in assemblies.

The NSS, which campaigns to end the imposition of religious worship on children in schools, welcomed the school's commitment to more inclusive, secular schooling and its respect for pupils and families' right to freedom of religion or belief.

It added that criticism levelled at the school on the basis of the UK being a 'Christian country' was "disengaged from reality". As revealed by the most recent census, Christianity is now a minority religion in England and Wales.

Former home secretary Suella Braverman said of the school's decision: "This isn't inclusivity; it's cultural surrender", adding that "Britain's Christian roots are being erased by spineless leaders who'd rather appease than preserve".

The school is also being supported by local police regarding concerns about a protest planned for outside the school on April 3 by Christian group Disciples of Christ. The group described the school's decision as an "attack on Christianity".

NSS: Planned protest "echoes" those seen outside other UK schools

National Secular Society spokesperson Jack Rivington said: "We commend Norwood Primary School's effort to create an inclusive environment for children and families, and to prioritise the best interests of its pupils, rather than accommodate religious privilege.

"That a school has felt it necessary to consult the police over a protest planned outside its gates is a shameful state of affairs, one that echoes protests in recent years against other schools such as Batley and Michaela.

"Those seeking to impose Christianity on Norwood and other schools are propping open the door for other religious groups who wish to impose their ideology on pupils. A secular education system, which guarantees the rights of all, is the best solution to this toxic pattern of interference."