Monday April 20th 2026
Glasgow City Chambers
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Catherine Hunter
Work within Glasgow’s schools to reduce sectarian attitudes while helping children to recognise discrimination and prejudice is being carried out by the city council.
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.
One of the programmes is the Sense Over Sectarianism (SOS) programme which continues to be embedded across Glasgow’s primary schools, promoting inclusion and understanding among children of all faith backgrounds.
It has four key aims including:
– Reduce sectarian attitudes and language
– Build mutual respect between religious and cultural groups
– Support children to recognise prejudice and discrimination
– Encourage positive social change
The report states: “Over the past 12 months, the Sense Over Sectarianism (SOS) programme has delivered approximately 370 workshops across more than 90 primary schools, engaging over 4,500 pupils in learning about inclusion, respect and anti-sectarian attitudes.
“These workshops can be used to support a Divided City novel study or delivered as a stand-alone element of a school’s equality and citizenship curriculum.
“The programme makes a significant contribution to advancing equality in relation to religion or belief. It challenges prejudice rooted in religious identity, reduces stigma and harmful stereotypes, and strengthens interfaith understanding among young people.
“In doing so, SOS actively promotes equality, mutual respect and positive relations between children and communities of different faith backgrounds.”
An update will be presented at committee this week.
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