Glasgow Council Schools Programme Targets Sectarianism, Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Glasgow City Council is implementing a school programme to reduce sectarian attitudes in primary and secondary schools.
• The programme celebrates different religious beliefs and educates pupils on main faiths in the city.
• Education services deliver targeted programmes, staff training, and system-level improvements under the Equality Act 2010.
• A report to the education committee next week highlights work on gender equality and religion/belief-based inclusion.
• Efforts aim to help children recognise discrimination and prejudice.
• The programme continues teacher-led celebrations of diversity.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) May 8, 2026 – Glasgow City Council’s education services are carrying out work within the city’s schools to reduce sectarian attitudes and help children recognise discrimination and prejudice. As part of a programme to celebrate the different religious beliefs in the city, primary and secondary school teachers continue to celebrate diversity and educate pupils on the main faiths within Glasgow. Glasgow’s education services continue to deliver targeted programmes, staff training and system-level improvements to meet its duties under the Equality Act 2010.

A report being presented to the education committee next week highlights how the council is meeting these aims by working on issues related to gender equality and religion/belief-based inclusion.

What Is Glasgow Council Doing to Combat Sectarianism in Schools?

Glasgow City Council has launched initiatives specifically targeting sectarianism, a long-standing issue in the city linked to historical Catholic-Protestant rivalries. The school programme focuses on reducing sectarian attitudes through education on diversity.

Teachers in primary and secondary schools are actively involved in celebrating different religious beliefs prevalent in Glasgow .

As reported in coverage by Glasgow Live, the council’s efforts include ongoing work to educate pupils on the main faiths within the city.

This aligns with broader duties under the Equality Act 2010, which mandates public bodies to eliminate discrimination and promote equality.

The programme emphasises recognition of prejudice, aiming to equip children with tools to identify and address it early.

How Does the Programme Celebrate Religious Diversity?

Primary and secondary school teachers play a central role in celebrating diversity as part of this initiative. Pupils receive education on the main faiths present in Glasgow, fostering understanding across religious lines.

Glasgow’s education services support this through targeted programmes designed to highlight the city’s multicultural religious landscape.

Staff training ensures educators are equipped to deliver these lessons effectively.

System-level improvements are also implemented to sustain these efforts long-term.

What Does the Upcoming Education Committee Report Cover?

The report, set for presentation next week, details the council’s progress in meeting Equality Act duties.

It specifically addresses issues related to gender equality alongside religion and belief-based inclusion.

This document underscores the council’s commitment to tackling protected characteristics. Coverage from various sources notes the report’s focus on practical steps taken in schools.

Why Target Sectarianism and Discrimination in Glasgow Schools?

Sectarianism in Glasgow stems from historical religious and political rivalries between Catholics and Protestants, leading to competition for resources and occasional conflict.

Public perception surveys indicate it remains a prevalent concern, with most residents viewing it as equally aimed at both groups.

Glasgow City Council recognised this formally in 2001, commissioning research that confirmed ongoing issues. The current programme builds on such efforts, integrating anti-sectarian education into school curricula.

Incidents linked to sectarian tensions, including assaults, highlight the need for early intervention in schools.

What Role Does the Equality Act 2010 Play?

The Equality Act 2010 requires councils to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between groups with protected characteristics, including religion and belief. Glasgow’s education services deliver programmes, training, and improvements to comply.

This legal framework guides the council’s approach to gender equality and religious inclusion. Reports to committees demonstrate adherence through school-based actions.

Are There Similar Anti-Sectarian Efforts in Scotland?

Historical initiatives include the 2003 Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act, aggravating offences by religious prejudice. Charities like Nil By Mouth formed after specific incidents to combat sectarianism.

In schools, resources from organisations like Action on Sectarianism Scotland provide activities for pupils to explore prejudice. Glasgow City Council partners with Police Scotland on employability and social media-linked programmes.

Archdiocese of Glasgow supports religious education in Catholic schools, enriching faith experiences.

How Do Teachers Implement These Programmes?

Teachers celebrate diversity through classroom activities focused on main faiths. Targeted programmes address sectarian attitudes directly.

Staff receive training to handle sensitive topics like religion and gender. This ensures consistent delivery across primary and secondary levels.

What Challenges Does Sectarianism Pose in Glasgow?

Surveys show 68% disagree that sectarian discrimination no longer exists. Perceptions persist across demographics.

Generational divides in attitudes are noted, with younger groups potentially more affected. Schools serve as key venues for change.

Background of the Development

Glasgow’s sectarianism traces to 19th-century Irish immigration, sparking Catholic-Protestant tensions over jobs and housing. The 2002 “Sectarianism in Glasgow – Final Report” by NFO Social Research, commissioned by the council, found most view it as bidirectional and prevalent.

The Scottish Executive’s 2003 Action Plan and Section 74 of the Criminal Justice Act addressed aggravation by religious prejudice. Glasgow Council established advisory groups with church representatives. Ongoing school efforts evolved from these, incorporating Equality Act 2010 duties since 2010.

Recent resources include drama packs and peer education for upper primary and secondary pupils.

Prediction

This development can affect school pupils and families in Glasgow by providing structured education on diversity, potentially reducing sectarian attitudes over time through recognition of prejudice. Teachers and staff may see improved training, leading to better handling of equality issues in classrooms.

The city’s broader community could experience fewer discrimination incidents if programmes scale effectively, aligning with legal duties under the Equality Act 2010.