PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(16 June 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve subject-specific training in religious education for primary teachers, in the context of evidence from the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education that more than 56% receive 0 to 3 hours of training during initial teacher training, including 18% who receive none.

Asked by:
Rebecca Smith (Conservative)

To gain qualified teacher status (QTS), trainees must demonstrate that they meet all the Teacher’s Standards, including Standard 3: Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge. While the department does not prescribe the curriculum of initial teacher training (ITT) courses, ITT providers must ensure their courses are designed to incorporate the minimum entitlement set out in the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF).

This sets out the core content that defines great teaching during ITT and the two-year induction for early career teachers (ECTs). Ofsted inspect all providers, and considers the extent to which the curriculum is expertly designed to prepare trainees to teach their subject(s) and phase. We have committed to a full review of the ITTECF in 2027 to ensure it continues to provide the best possible support for trainee teachers and ECTs.

Answered by:
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