The Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss feedback on the new Agreed Syllabus, review curriculum and assessment, and consider advice regarding local government reorganisation. The meeting was scheduled to take place on 10 November 2025 at County Hall, Matlock.

Curriculum and Assessment Review

The committee was scheduled to consider the Curriculum and Assessment Review Interim Report. The report noted that the national curriculum is an investment in young people, and plays a crucial role in providing the knowledge and skills required to build a prosperous economy.

The review identified four key areas for improvement:

• The system is not working well for all
• Challenges with specific subjects
• The curriculum needs to respond to social and technological change
• 16-19 technical and vocational qualifications

The report stated that the review is being undertaken in close consultation with education professionals and other experts; parents, children and young people; and stakeholders such as employers, universities and trade unions.

Advice for SACREs Regarding Local Government Reorganisation

The committee was scheduled to discuss advice for SACREs regarding local government reorganisation. The government has announced that it will facilitate a programme of local government reorganisation for two-tier areas and for those unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality services for their residents. This has the potential to significantly affect 42 SACREs.

The advice stated that on the date when the new authority goes live, the old local authority will cease to exist and the new local authorities will come into being. From that date, the new authority will have a statutory duty to:

• Establish and support a Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE), including appropriate membership, governance, and resourcing.
• Convene an Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC) to determine the local Agreed Syllabus for RE and review it at least every five years.
• Provide maintained schools with clear guidance and access to the current Agreed Syllabus for RE and arrangements for collective worship, including determinations.
• take note of, and respond to, advice from the SACRE.

The advice also noted that the National Association of Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education (NASACRE) advises those affected SACREs to work with their local authority and plan ahead.

New Agreed Syllabus Feedback from Training

The committee was scheduled to discuss feedback from training on the new Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2025-2030. The new syllabus was written by Lat Blaylock, Kate Christopher, Julia Diamond-Conway, Angela Hill, Fiona Moss and Stephen Pett and published by RE Today Services. ¹ The syllabus:

embodies the rich tapestry of religious and cultural diversity that defines our vibrant community. Through this document, we aim to nurture understanding, respect, and celebration of the various faiths and cultures that coexist within our county.

The syllabus also aims to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of various religions, belief systems, and cultural practices.

Other Items

The agenda also included the following items:

• To receive apologies for absence (if any)
• To receive Declarations of Interest (if any)
• To confirm the non-exempt minutes of the meeting of the SACRE held on 17 March 2025²
• Matters Arising from the minutes
• Any Other Business