Catholic schools choose Judaism as second religion for GCSE RE despite Islam being UK's second biggest faith

The move follows new rules requiring schools to teach two religions as part of the Religious Education GCSE exam

Catholic schools account for one in 10 schools in England and Wales (Getty)

Catholic schools will be teaching Judaism as the second religion studied alongside Christianity at GCSE level, despite Islam being the second biggest religion practiced in the UK.

The move follows recent changes to the Religious Education GCSE which requires schools to teach pupils two religions as part of the exam instead of one.

The Catholic Education Service (CES), which represents Catholic schools in the UK, has chosen Judaism “so our pupils can gain a thorough understanding of the richness and breadth of 2000 years of Catholic theology and culture,” the body’s director Paul Barber said.

Speaking to Christian Today, Barber said: “However, just because our pupils are not being examined on faiths other than Christianity and Judaism, it doesn’t mean they’re not learning about them.”

Muslim leaders have reportedly called the decision “very disappointing,” while Sir Iqbal Sacranie, former secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, told the Mail on Sunday it was “not a good decision”.

“It does not reflect well on the messages that are coming out from the church for greater tolerance of other faiths,” he said, referencing Pope Francis’ call for greater respect for other people’s religions, their faith’s teachings and their values held.

Catholic schools account for one in 10 schools in England and Wales, and according to Premier, Muslim children can form up to 90 per cent of the student body in some Catholic institutions.