Interfaith Week 2026 will take place from 8–15 November 2026, providing schools and communities with an opportunity to celebrate diversity, strengthen relationships across faiths and beliefs, and promote a shared sense of belonging. This year’s national theme is “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future”, using the powerful symbol of light to represent hope, guidance, understanding and unity. More support on: interfaithweek.org, https://www.ifw4schools.co.uk and faithbeliefforum.org
As NASACRE members and SACREs continue to support schools in developing religious literacy, community cohesion and inclusion, Interfaith Week offers a valuable opportunity to engage pupils in meaningful dialogue about identity, respect and shared values.
Looking Back to Inter Faith Week 2025
Inter Faith Week 2025 saw strong participation from schools, faith communities and local organisations across the country. One particularly inspiring example in the poetry competition came from a Year 1 pupil at Hallsville Primary School, whose winning poem captured the spirit of interfaith engagement:
Different prayers, different ways,
Different words that people say,
But every heart can shine its light
Guided by what it feels is right
Hand in hand we stand as one,
Many paths but one same sun!
This simple yet profound poem reminds us that while people may follow different faiths, beliefs and traditions, we share a common humanity.
Schools may wish to revisit the excellent resources from last year’s programme, including:
• Interfaith Week 2025 Podcast
https://www.interfaithweek.org/resources/the-inter-faith-week-2025-podcast
The ‘Community: Together We Serve’ Report:
https://www.interfaithweek.org/resources/the-inter-faith-week-report-community-together-we-serve highlights the positive impact of inter faith initiatives and showcases examples of communities working together for the common good.
A National Initiative Supported by Government and Community Partners
Inter Faith Week continues to be coordinated by leading interfaith organisations, including the Faith & Belief Forum, with support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The week aims to strengthen inter faith relations, increase awareness of the diversity and contribution of faith communities, and foster understanding between people of different religious and non-religious beliefs. NASACRE is also represented on the planning group.
A Three-Week Journey: One Shared Message
During discussions with the Faith & Belief Forum in preparation for Inter Faith Week 2026, partners explored how schools could create a coherent programme linking three significant November observances:
Week 1: Remembrance – Light from the Past (Remembrance day 11th November)
Remembrance provides an opportunity to reflect on sacrifice, loss and peace. The story of the Unknown Warrior reminds us that every life matters and that no individual should be forgotten.
Through acts of remembrance, pupils can consider the human cost of conflict and reflect on the importance of respect, reconciliation and shared humanity.
Week 2: Inter Faith Week – Light Between Us
The Inter Faith Week theme, “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future,” encourages pupils to explore how people of different faiths and beliefs can work together through mutual respect and understanding. Light is a symbol found across many faith traditions and serves as a reminder that hope and friendship can flourish across differences.
Week 3: Anti-Bullying Week – Light in Action
Building on the themes of remembrance and understanding, Anti-Bullying Week offers pupils the opportunity to put values into action. The focus on breaking the silence encourages children and young people to speak up, support others and challenge discrimination and bullying wherever it occurs.
Connecting the Themes
This proposed framework offers schools a simple but powerful narrative:
We remember the past through Remembrance.
We come together through Interfaith Week.
And we make a difference by breaking the silence during Anti-Bullying Week.
Each week adds a light—guiding us toward a shared future where everyone belongs.
This approach creates meaningful links between RE, PSHE, English, History, Citizenship and the wider life of the school.
Practical Ideas for Schools
Schools may wish to:
• Hold student-led assemblies exploring the theme of light.
• Create a whole-school “Journey of Light” display across the three weeks.
• Invite faith and community representatives to share their experiences.
• Encourage pupils to write poetry, prayers, reflections or pledges.
• Develop cross-curricular projects linking remembrance, diversity and inclusion.
• Use lanterns, candles or artwork as symbols of hope and belonging.
• Showcase student voice through displays, exhibitions and social media.
Anti-Bullying Resources
Schools are encouraged to make use of anti-bullying resources shared by anti-bullying networks. These include materials that support pupil voice, allyship, bystander intervention and ways to create inclusive school cultures. These resources complement Inter Faith Week by helping pupils recognise prejudice, challenge stereotypes and ensure that nobody feels isolated or excluded.
Find Out More
Further information, resources and event registration details can be found at Inter Faith Week https://www.interfaithweek.org and https://www.ifw4schools.co.uk
The websites include resources for schools, communities and faith organisations, together with information about the 2026 theme and opportunities to participate.
As we look ahead to November 2026, InterFaith Week provides an opportunity not only to celebrate diversity but also to help young people build the knowledge, understanding and empathy needed to create a future in which everyone feels valued, respected and included. Through remembrance, dialogue and action, we can truly help light the way for a shared future.
Manjit Kaur, NASACRE Executive, July 2026