Navigating Faith and Professionalism in PSHE: Lessons from the Glawdys Leger Case

(Reflections from a Black Christian Female Education Consultant)

Can educators balance their faith with their duty to educate all students respectfully?

As a Black, British-Nigerian, Christian, and PSHE lead, the recent ruling on the Glawdys Leger case has weighed heavily on my heart. While I hold my personal beliefs dearly, I also recognise the professional standards required in the UK education system. This case has led me to reflect on the delicate balance between personal faith and the responsibility to teach diverse students in an inclusive, neutral, and respectful manner.

The Role of Educators in a Diverse Society

In the UK education system, we are not called to impose our beliefs—we are called to inform. In subjects like PSHE and RE, especially when discussing sensitive topics such as sexuality, gender identity, and abortion, our role is to equip students with balanced, respectful, and inclusive knowledge not to push a personal agenda.

The court's finding in the Glawdys Leger case highlighted the importance of presenting a balanced view. Ms Leger’s failure to provide this balance was deemed to undermine the school’s role as a supportive, inclusive space for all students. This ruling serves as a poignant reminder of the impact educators can have and the responsibility we bear when engaging with sensitive topics.

Teaching with Clarity, Care, and Neutrality

As a Christian, I believe in the Bible, but as a professional educator, I am committed to teaching with clarity, care, and neutrality. In practice, this means presenting diverse perspectives responsibly:

“According to this worldview or religion, X is believed because of Y. Others, however, believe Z due to A.”

Neutrality does not mean silence or avoiding key issues. Instead, it means providing students with the knowledge they need to make informed choices while respecting their right to form their own opinions.

Having taught in schools where difficult questions are common, I’ve never had to compromise my faith. Why? Because I’ve been trained and continue to train myself to navigate these sensitive spaces with wisdom and care. I recognise that my role as an educator is to equip students with knowledge and a range of perspectives, not to impose my beliefs on them.

Quick Tips for Teachers Navigating PSHE/RE Topics

1️⃣ Know your school’s ethos: Before accepting a position, ensure you align with the school’s values and policies.

2️⃣ Our role is to educate, not persuade: Present multiple viewpoints respectfully, without trying to convince students to adopt any one belief.

3️⃣ Keep content balanced: If content leans too far in one direction, adapt it to present a fair and diverse range of perspectives.

The Need for Better Training and Reflection

This case highlights the need for better training and guidance, especially for educators with strong personal beliefs. We need spaces where we can reflect on how to uphold our faith responsibly while fulfilling our duties as educators.

To my fellow educators with personal beliefs (which in reality is all of us): It is possible to stand firm in your faith while remaining a professional voice of balance, compassion, and inclusivity. We do not have to compromise our values to be effective and compassionate educators.

Navigating the Evolving Education Landscape

Education in the UK has evolved significantly, moving from a home and faith driven system to one that is state led, pluralistic, and policy bound. As educators, we must navigate this landscape with wisdom and integrity.

Shining your light as a Christian educator doesn’t mean preaching; it means teaching with clarity, compassion, and respect for all students, regardless of their background or beliefs.

I believe I am called to equip students with the skills, character development and knowledge needed to empower them to reach their full potential. Enabling them to overcome social barriers and limitations. - Know your why!

Understanding the Purpose of Education and Our Role

When we understand the purpose of the education system and our role within it, we realise that it is possible to uphold our personal values while fulfilling our professional duty. Our primary responsibility is to serve all students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the world thoughtfully and responsibly.

Call to Action: Advocating for Better Training and Reflective Practice

Let’s advocate for better training, more reflective practice, and honest dialogue within the education sector. We must raise educators who lead with integrity, respect, and grace educators who are equipped to navigate the complex intersection of personal belief and professional duty.

By fostering this balance, we can create learning environments where all students feel supported, respected, and able to thrive.

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