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UK Hindu body issues advisory on Hinduism studies in schools
Guidance highlights legal options and educational resources for Hindu families across Britain.
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Staff Reporter - Tue, 16, Jun 2026
- 13:27 EDT
- 31
Representative image / Unsplash
A Hindu community organization issued an advisory guiding parents who wish to opt for Hinduism as part of the religious education in schools across the country.
The advisory by Insight UK, comes amid concerns from Hindu students and parents that some schools offer only Christianity and Islam as options for Religious Education (RE) at GCSE level, limiting opportunities for students who wish to study Hinduism.
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According to the advisory, parents are legally entitled to withdraw their children from part or all of Religious Education lessons. The organization said families who want their children to study Hinduism should be aware of this option and explore alternative arrangements where appropriate.
IMPORTANT Guidelines for Hindu parents in the UK
— INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) June 16, 2026
Hinduism in Religious Education (UK)
Many Hindu students and parents have expressed concern that schools only offer Christianity and Islam for the RE subject at GCSE level.
We would like to inform that:
- Legally, you… pic.twitter.com/CTzGp7mTYl
The advisory further states that students can pursue Hinduism studies through a range of educational organizations that offer resources, training and GCSE-focused support.
Insight UK also urged schools seeking assistance with Hinduism teaching to contact the Hindu Education Board (UK), which provides resources and guidance for educators. The organization said schools looking to expand their provision of Hinduism within Religious Education can access support through specialist Hindu educational bodies.
The advisory lists several institutions that provide online and in-person training, educational materials and GCSE Hinduism support. These include the Hindu Education Board (UK), VOICE, Chinmaya Mission, Yog Foundation, Pandav Vidya Shala and the College of Vedic Studies Birmingham.
According to the advisory, these organizations can assist both students and schools by offering learning resources, curriculum support and structured courses related to Hinduism. The guidance specifically points families toward established supplementary education providers if a school is unable or unwilling to offer Hinduism as part of its Religious Education provision.
The issue has emerged amid wider discussions about religious representation within Religious Education curricula in the UK. While Religious Education remains a compulsory subject in schools, the content of courses can vary depending on local syllabuses and school policies.
Under UK government guidance, parents retain the right to withdraw their children from all or part of Religious Education lessons.
The advisory includes links to educational resources and support services to help Hindu students access faith-based learning opportunities alongside their formal education.
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