Approximately one in six schools is failing to teach Religious Education to year 11, in a breach of law.

A report by the National Association of Teachers of RE (NATRE) drew up the findings with data from the Department of Education.

Some schools told the DfE they have no provisions for religious Education for this year group at all, whilst others only teach the subject as a GCSE, meaning those who have not chosen it as one of their exam subjects miss out.

Joanne Harris, secondary vice-chair of National Association of Teachers of RE (NATRE), told Premier Christian Radio: “We have a recruitment crisis in RS… funding would make a massive difference.

Harris said Religious Education gives students a grounding in thinking critically and empathising with others, even if they have no religious affiliation themselves: “Some pupils think: ‘I don’t want to be a vicar, I don’t want to be a nun!’

“But RE is very useful. In the world today we want people who think critically, ask questions, and understand that the world is complicated. It’s about humans, deep thinking and working with people."