Welsh school cleared of ‘inappropriate promotion of Christianity’

Claims by secularists that a high school in Wales was improperly promoting Christianity to pupils have been dismissed.

In 2024, the National Secular Society claimed that the headteacher of Llanidloes High School in Powys had been directing pupils to the Alpha course and surrounding them with Bible verses, including on wall displays about marine life and the solar system.

But following an independent review, Powys Council announced that it found no evidence of an inappropriate promotion of Christianity and confirmed that the school is “operating fully within the relevant legislation and Welsh Government guidance”.

Positive result

Headteacher Daniel Owen said: “We are pleased that the review confirms our compliance with all relevant guidance. Llanidloes High School offers a broad and balanced curriculum and a strong pastoral environment where pupils feel safe and supported.

“We will continue to educate children about Wales’ rich Christian and cultural heritage alongside a wide range of beliefs and values, as part of our commitment to inclusivity and respect.”

The review also found that the school’s acts of collective worship complied with Welsh Government requirements. According to law, state-funded schools in Wales must conduct acts of collective worship that are “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”, and parents have a right to withdraw their children.

Secularists’ campaign

Last year, the National Secular Society attempted to convince the Welsh Government to stop faith schools teaching the “tenets of their faith”.

Responding to an Education Committee consultation on the implementation of school reforms, the campaign group called for an end to “confessional” teaching on Religion, Values and Ethics.

In addition, it dismissed “the legal requirement on all schools in Wales to hold a daily act of collective worship that is ‘broadly Christian’ in character” as “a poor use of a school’s time”.