I'm advised that New South Wales public schools use information provided in the enrolment form to allocate students to Special Religious Education (SRE) classes.

If a religious persuasion is nominated, and a relevant SRE program is available at the school, the student will be placed in that program. If there is no nominated persuasion or the persuasion is unavailable, the school sends a letter to parents or caregivers outlining options available, including the option to withdraw from SRE.

If the parents or caregivers do not return the letter, the student will engage in alternative meaningful activities during time allocated for SRE. Suitable activities include reading, private study and completing homework. Ethics classes may also be an option in some schools.