Fasting during Ramadan: supporting pupils

Find out what you need to know and do to support pupils fasting during Ramadan, including during exams.

Last reviewed on 10 March 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 31311
Contents
  1. Key dates
  2. Open the conversation with pupils
  3. Engage the rest of the school
  4. Adapt to the needs of fasting pupils
  5. How to support pupils when sitting exams
  6. How to support pupils who become ill
  7. Examples of school policies

Key dates

The dates of Ramadan change each year, and so does the date of Eid-al-Fitr, the celebration at its end.

To check this year’s dates, access our interactive online calendar or check on this site.

Open the conversation with pupils

You shouldn't tell pupils whether or not to fast

Your school's role is to support pupils who are fasting, and to create a welcoming environment where pupils can exercise religious freedom and make choices without judgement.

Find out who's fasting

Make sure you know which pupils may need support during Ramadan. Ask parents or pupils to speak to the school about it, so you don't make assumptions about who may be observing the fast.

You may want to ask for parental permission to allow younger pupils to miss lunch.

Make time to show interest in individual pupils who are fasting. Talk about what they're doing, how they're feeling and what the school can