Religious Education has been excluded from the list of 'approved' subjects for the EB and is therefore significantly at risk of being sidelined, downgraded and perceived to be worthless. Pupils will be discouraged from opting for RE and later from Theology and Philosophy courses. This is already evidenced in some schools and further by the significant reduction of places for RE Trainee Teachers across the country (only last academic year RE was considered to be a ‘shortage’ subject). It is our belief that RE is not only an academically rigorous subject but it is also pivitol and is vital to a well-rounded education. The rise of religious extremism around the world and in the UK means that a good understanding of all religions is essential. MP Stephen Lloyd has forwarded an Early Day Motion to have RE as an approved subject for the EB and we are totally committed to supporting the place of RE in the curriculum.