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Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - Thursday, 31st July, 2025 4.30 pm

July 31, 2025 View on council website
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Summary

The Doncaster Council Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) is scheduled to meet on Thursday 31 July 2025. The agenda includes discussion of the constitution and terms of reference, updates on national religious education, and reflection on the Agreed RE Syllabus Launch Event. Also to be discussed is the SACRE webpage and REsource directory, and a proposal regarding kickback funding from schools buying syllabus resources.

National RE Updates

The meeting will include a discussion of national updates for SACRE from RE Today Summer 2025. This will include updates on the Curriculum and Assessment Review, which is being led by Professor Becky Francis. The review aims to examine how the curriculum and assessment system can better serve young people in England.

In November 2024, the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) submitted over 100 pieces of evidence to the review, highlighting the current challenges facing Religious Education.

The review panel wrote in its interim report (March 2025):

Despite the fact that RE is compulsory for all pupils up to the age of 18 (unless they are withdrawn), evidence suggests that a lack of national agreed content standards has led to national disparities in the quality of provision.

The Department for Education has confirmed that the review could lead to recommendations for changes that might require legislation. Policy options include:

  • Including RE in the National Curriculum
  • Introducing a National Content Standard for RE

The updates will also include information on the BBC series 'Pilgrimage', NASACRE free training, RE Hubs, Spirited Arts 2025, The Jerusalem Trust grants for schools, World Humanist Day, and upcoming RE Today courses for the Summer Term and beyond.

Agreed RE Syllabus Launch Event

The agenda includes a reflection on the Agreed RE Syllabus Launch Event that took place on 9 May, marking the introduction of the newly agreed syllabus for Religious Education (RE). The event was held in partnership with Pennine Learning, the commissioned syllabus provider.

Approximately 100 attendees were present, including primary and secondary subject leads, head teachers, and faith representatives from various communities. A survey was shared with attendees to gather their impressions and identify the support needed to effectively embed the syllabus from September.

Feedback from the survey indicated that colleagues had a positive impression of the event, appreciating its informative sessions, engaging guest speakers, and networking opportunities. Attendees emphasised the importance of ongoing Continual Professional Development (CPD), including network meetings, guest speakers, and follow-up discussions to exchange best practices.

Two follow-up sessions have been scheduled for July and October to ensure continued engagement and support.

Constitution and Terms of Reference

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) constitution and terms of reference outlines the statutory responsibilities of the Doncaster SACRE, including advising the local authority (LA) on matters connected with agreed syllabus religious education and collective worship.

The constitution also details the membership of SACRE, which includes representatives from Christian and other religious denominations, the Church of England, teachers, and the local authority.

Key Stage 4 Grade Summary

The agenda includes a discussion of the Key Stage 4 Grade Summary. This will include a table of data showing the GCSE results achieved in Religious Studies (4610) / Exam: GCSE (9-1) Full Course (391) at Hall Cross Academy, Ridgewood School, Rossington All Saints Academy, The McAuley Catholic High School, Trinity Academy, XP East and XP School.

Other items

The agenda also includes:

  • Appointment of Chair
  • Appointment of Vice-Chair
  • SACRE Webpage and REsource Directory
  • Proposal to SACRE - Kickback funding from schools buying syllabus resources

Attendees

Profile image for Councillor Ioan-Emanuel Craciun
Councillor Ioan-Emanuel Craciun  Reform UK •  Balby South
Profile image for Councillor John Reed
Councillor John Reed  Reform UK •  Mexborough
Profile image for Councillor Lee Sammut
Councillor Lee Sammut  Labour •  Rossington and Bawtry
Danielle Heath
Mrs Pahani Kaur
Lucy Saxton
Mary Sivaanbu
Mr S Syed
Tara Moxon
Mr Bob Kiddle
Mrs Sally Faulkner
Mr Andy Wright
Harvey Kasin
Jemma Gelder
Vanessa Gregory
Amy Roddam
Jugtinder Singh
Hannah Lambert
Keith Hawker
Jane Reed
Sameena Choudry
Profile image for Councillor Nick Pritchard
Councillor Nick Pritchard  Reform UK •  Armthorpe

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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