QMU researchers to explore the future of religious observance in Scottish schools
Religious observance remains a legal requirement in Scotland's non-denominational schools, yet how it is delivered and experienced can vary widely.
Religious observance remains a legal requirement in Scotland's non-denominational schools, yet how it is delivered and experienced can vary widely.
New research from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh is shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect of school life and will be the focus of a free public lecture this November.
Researchers will explore how religious observance, sometimes known as ‘Time for Reflection’, is currently taking place in schools, the challenges and opportunities schools face, and what ongoing changes in education policy and the curriculum could mean for its future.
Taking place on Thursday 12 November 2026 at 6.30pm, the lecture, Religious Observance in Scottish Non-Denominational Schools: Exploring Policy and Practice at a Time of Change, will be delivered online by Dr Stephen Scholes, Senior Lecturer in Education, and Dr Chantelle Boyle, Research Assistant in Education.
The event has been organised at the invitation of the Edinburgh and West Lothian Presbytery of the Church of Scotland and will share findings from recent Queen Margaret University research.
Drawing on a recent review of inspection evidence, the lecture will examine how religious observance is being implemented across Scottish schools and consider what inspection findings reveal about current practice. It will also reflect on how wider developments in education policy and curriculum reform may shape this area of school life in the years ahead.
Religious observance has a long and fascinating history within Scottish schooling, yet it remains an under-researched area of educational practice. As schools continue to respond to wider legal and curricular developments, this lecture offers an opportunity to consider what religious observance looks like today and what its future may be.
Our research provides fresh insights into how religious observance is experienced and implemented in schools. We look forward to sharing our findings and encouraging discussion around the role and importance of religious observance in contemporary Scottish education.
The online lecture is open to teachers, school leaders, policy-makers, researchers, students and anyone with an interest in Scottish education and will take place on Thursday 12 November 2026 at 6.30pm via Microsoft Teams. Participants can register in advance using the online booking form. A Teams link will be sent to registered attendees on the day of the lecture.
To register, visit: Sign up for the lecture
Event details
Title: Religious observance in Scottish Non-Denominational Schools: Exploring policy and practice at a time of change
Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
Time: 6.30pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Presenters: Dr Stephen C Scholes and Dr Chantelle Boyle
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
