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The study, funded by the Humanist Society Scotland and conducted by the University of Glasgow, found a weakening in the position of religion in Scottish society in all areas, except education.

In today’s TESS, we look at the growing influence of religion on the delivery of education and how a body like the humanists could end up with its own state-funded schools.

The report spells out how council education committees must set aside spaces for three religious representatives and two spots on the General Teaching Council for Scotland are reserved for the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland.

Schools also have to provide opportunities for religious observance six times a year, and have a statutory obligation to deliver religious education to all pupils.

The study also explores why Aberdeen City could become the first council in Scotland to vote to end the teaching of RE.  

This is an edited version of an article in the 11 March edition of TESS. Subscribers can view the full article . This week’s TESS magazine is available at all good newsagents. To download the digital edition, Android users can  and iOS users can .