A Bill to introduce an entitlement to assemblies that further the spiritual, moral, social and cultural education of all pupils, regardless of religion or belief, at state schools without a designated religious character in England; to repeal the requirement for these schools to hold collective worship; and for connected purposes.
House of Lords
5 May 2021
The Education (Assemblies) Bill would give non-faith state schools in England a legal entitlement to assemblies that support spiritual, moral, social and cultural education for all pupils, regardless of belief. It would replace the current compulsory collective worship with these assemblies and include related provisions to implement the change. The measure applies only to state schools without a designated religious character.
The bill is at the second reading in the House of Lords and has not yet progressed to committee stage for detailed examination.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 23 January. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
