Two independent schools get religious character status
From Saturday 13 December 2025, two schools in England are formally recognised as having a religious character. A new Department for Education order names St Thomas of Canterbury CE Primary School (EX17 6QE) as Church of England, and Edullect Academy Independent School (RM3 8SB) as Islamic.
If you’re a parent, student or teacher, here’s the short version: designation is an official label that recognises a school’s existing faith ethos. It doesn’t create a new identity overnight or change a school’s character by itself; it confirms what already exists in governance and practice.
Why it matters in law: once designated, an independent school can, in limited circumstances, take account of religion when appointing or promoting teachers where that is relevant to the role. Any such requirement should be stated clearly and must relate to the school’s ethos.
What doesn’t change: curriculum, uniform, behaviour policy and fees remain as set out by the school. Admissions at independent schools continue to follow the school’s published policy. This order doesn’t create new admissions rules or wider exemptions.
Who are the schools? Edullect Academy Independent School is in Romford, RM3 8SB. Department for Education and Ofsted records show it opened in 2025 as a mixed independent primary; the school describes itself as Havering’s first independent Muslim faith school.
St Thomas of Canterbury CE Primary School is in Lapford, Devon (EX17 6QE) and sits within Chulmleigh Academy Trust. Today’s order recognises its Church of England character; day-to-day school operations continue as normal.
A quick note on wording. This sits in the ‘independent schools’ series because, in law, this is the route used to recognise the religious character of academies and other non‑maintained schools too. Recent orders in 2024 and August 2025 used the same procedure.
The order also removes outdated entries for ten schools that have closed or are no longer designated: Queen Margaret’s School (YO19 6EU); St Joseph’s Convent School (BB12 6TG); Barlborough Hall School (S43 4TJ); Bishop Challoner School (BR2 0BS); Mount St Mary’s College (S21 3YL); St John’s Beaumont (SL4 2JN); Rydes Hill Preparatory School (GU2 8BP); Fulneck School (LS28 8DS); Ilford Ursuline Preparatory School (IG1 4QR); and Our Lady’s Convent Senior School (OX14 3PS). The DfE typically notes revocations follow closures or a decision not to remain designated.
What this means if you teach: read job packs closely. Where a faith commitment is genuinely needed, the advert should say so and explain why. For many classroom posts it won’t be essential; for roles shaping ethos or religious education, it may be. If in doubt, ask before you apply.
What this means if you’re a parent or carer: don’t expect sudden changes. Keep an eye on updated policies on religious education and collective worship on the school website, and ask for the written policy if something feels unclear. Day-to-day routines should continue as normal.
Key dates to remember: the order was made on 12 December 2025 and came into force on 13 December 2025. If your school newsletters mention policy updates in the weeks ahead, this is likely why.
We’ll continue to track DfE notices. If more schools are added or removed in future orders, we’ll update this guide so you can quickly see what changes-if any-matter for your classroom or family.