The majority of independent schools have a declared religious persuasion and often have a religious foundation, usually Christian. Nowadays most schools are willing to accept pupils form a miscellany of faiths or of none. A handful of schools are determinedly secular.

With the exception of sixth-form and tutorial colleges, nearly all UK independent schools have religious education of some kind on the curriculum. This often includes a study of world religions, so children develop an idea of what inspires people of different faiths, and learn about practices, customs, laws, conventions and traditions.

A large number of schools are Church of England foundations and follow, to varying degrees, Protestant/Anglican practice. Methodist, Quaker, Presbyterian and Jewish schools tend to have a clearly defined policy and give considerable attention to religious worship and instruction. The Roman Catholic schools, administered by the Benedictines, the Christian Brothers and by various other Orders, have very clear and comprehensive policies to educate and nurture children in the faith so that they become devout and mature Catholics.