As we approach Ramadan, which is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17 February 2026 and end on either the evening of Wednesday 18 March or Thursday 19 March 2026 (depending on the sighting of the moon), we are sharing this Teaching and Learning guidance to help staff and students support those who will be observing the fast during this period.

This message builds on last year's joint staff-student communication and reflects current UK higher education good practice, aiming to support inclusive teaching and learning in a consistent and proportionate way.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a period of reflection, worship and fasting. Many Muslims abstain from food and drink (including water) from dawn until sunset and may experience changes in sleep patterns due to early pre-dawn meals and evening prayers. Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, a three day celebration marked by the Eid prayer, feasting and exchange of gifts.

Potential impact on learning and teaching

The impact of Ramadan can vary significantly between individuals and across the month.

Some students may:

• Experience lower energy levels, particularly later in the afternoon
  
• Need to leave teaching sessions briefly for prayer
  
• Need to leave earlier in the evening to break their fast
  
• Prefer greater use of recorded or asynchronous learning materials
  
• Require flexibility around assessment deadlines
  

Students observing Ramadan are not a homogeneous group, and it is important to avoid assumptions about who is fasting or what support they may need.

Guidance for teaching and student-facing staff

We encourage colleagues to consider the following principles where feasible:

• Acknowledge Ramadan in teaching spaces and communications, signalling openness and support
• Be flexible, including allowing short breaks, early departure from sessions, or alternative ways of engaging with content
• Avoid assumptions and invite students to share what would help them, rather than applying blanket adjustments
• Record lectures and make materials available where possible, to support students whose energy levels or schedules may be affected
• Assessment deadlines: where possible, avoid scheduling or key deadlines during Eid (dates are subject to moon sightings and may change at short notice, though they lie within a predictable range). Where this is not practicable, ensure students are clearly signposted to the option of requesting alternative arrangements on the grounds of religious observance.
• Signpost support clearly, so students know where to seek advice or adjustments, if needed

Support and further information

Student-focussed guidance on managing study and assessments during Ramadan is available on the university website. Additional support can be accessed via Student Support Services, the Chaplaincy, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team, and the University of Bath Islamic Society (BUIS).

BUIS will be hosting Ramadan events, including a student-staff Iftar, with details to be shared separately.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering an inclusive learning environment where all members of our community can participate fully and with dignity.

Mariam Mahmoud, Chair, Bath Islamic Society
Dr Teslim Bukoye, Race Equality Charter Lead

I manage and/or work with Muslim staff/students who are fasting. What do I need to know?

A new evidence-based guide was created by a team of educators and students across the UK and aims to help educators create a more inclusive learning and teaching environment for fasting Muslim students.

A number of recommendations to support both staff and students are also shared on Fasting, Faith and Flexibility: Supporting Muslim students and staff during Ramadan in HE guide produced by Dr Shames Maskeen, Associate Director of The Race Institute and Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Leeds Trinity University.

During Ramadan, Muslim staff/students may practice their faith more often than during the rest of the year. This will usually be for a few minutes each time. It is important to remember that practice of the observance of Ramadan may vary between individuals due to health, travel and personal circumstances. Some people may wish to make slight adjustments to their working day, for example starting earlier than usual in the morning or having a shorter lunch break to allow an earlier finish.

Managers and supervisors are asked to accommodate these requests where possible and within reason and generally speaking be flexible and sensitive in supporting Muslim staff/students. For example, it is considerate to avoid scheduling social activities, working lunches or late meetings (where possible) during Ramadan.

You can find a detailed list of recommendations in Dr Maskeen's guide describing how we, as a university community, can help accommodate fasting students (pg. 12-13) and staff (pg. 14-15) while increasing a sense of connectedness and wellbeing.

What happens when Ramadan ends?

Ramadan is followed by the festival of Eid al-Fitr, for which some Muslim staff or students will wish to take leave. As with the beginning of Ramadan, the exact date of Eid is dependent on the sighting of the moon. For this reason, it may not be possible to be very specific about the day the staff member/student will be requesting leave. Managers and supervisors are requested to take this into account and be flexible.

I will be observing Ramadan. Is there anything I need to know regarding my working/studying arrangements?

If you are a member of staff, you are advised to talk to your line manager regarding any leave or adjustments you may need at your earliest convenience. This will facilitate flexibility and will ensure you can reach a mutual agreement. When requesting days off for religious observance, please give your manager as much notice as possible, even if only an estimation of the dates can be provided prior to the sighting of the new moon.

If you are a student and you would like guidance and advice regarding studying/taking exams during Ramadan, you can consult our Ramadan Guidance for Students.

Where can I get further advice and support?

If you would like to discuss your thoughts and approach to Ramadan and fasting you can contact Al-Muzaffar Bath Mosque and speak with the Imam.

Students can also speak to the Student Support Advice you can contact them by phone or email if you need support.

Students can connect with the Muslim community through the Islamic Society at the Students’ Union. The society runs two- hour slot for Friday prayers, Iftar celebrations and events throughout the year.

The University’s Chaplaincy and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team can also provide information regarding resources available to students and people to speak to.

Muslim students, staff members and university visitors can also access campus prayer facilities. You can speak to Security in the Library who will be able to provide you with more information.