The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) of Worcestershire Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026. The meeting's agenda included discussions on national news related to Religious Education, updates from members and local groups, and future meeting dates.

National News Update

The council was scheduled to receive an update on national developments concerning Religious Education (RE). This included information on the Curriculum and Assessment Review, which had recommended RE become part of the National Curriculum. The report pack indicated that draft legislation was expected, with the revised curriculum anticipated for publication in Spring 2027 and implementation from September 2028. This change was noted as potentially having a significant impact on the role of SACREs.

The report pack also highlighted a Supreme Court ruling in Northern Ireland concerning bias in the RE system. While the situation in England was noted as different, the ruling prompted a review of the RE curriculum in Northern Ireland.

Further discussion was scheduled regarding the EBacc and accountability measures. The council was to consider the impact of proposed changes to Progress 8 and Attainment 8, specifically the inclusion of science in breadth slots. The report pack detailed Worcestershire SACRE's response to a consultation, expressing concern that this change could materially damage recovery in GCSE Religious Studies (RS) and reduce curriculum breadth. The response argued that such a move would force schools to prioritise measured slots over a pedagogically balanced curriculum and lead to further reduced uptake, diminished curriculum time and staffing losses.

A new cross-government publication, Protecting What Matters: Towards a more confident, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom, was also to be discussed. This paper explicitly links RE to social cohesion, stating a commitment to drive up standards in the teaching of Religious Education and to carefully consider including Religious Education in the national curriculum, subject to the sector reaching consensus. The report pack noted that this publication positions RE as a cohesion tool and SACREs as community actors.

Additionally, information was to be provided on the NATRE Primary RE Survey, encouraging primary teachers to participate to ensure their experiences are heard. The impact of local government reorganisation on SACREs was also on the agenda, with NASACRE having produced guidance on this matter. The NASACRE Conference and AGM, held in Birmingham, was to be reviewed, focusing on the theme SACREs – Bringing communities together. NASACRE's ongoing training initiatives for SACRE members were also to be highlighted.

The council was also scheduled to be informed about various publications and events, including the Theos report Beyond the Classroom: Informal Religion and Worldviews Education in the UK, the Westhill Endowment Fund for SACRE projects, Jewish Culture Month, and updates from the Religion Media Centre. Information on training and support for teachers, including RE Hubs and upcoming RE Today courses, was also to be presented.

Local Councillor Support for Religious Education

A document titled Local Councillor Support for Religious Education: Statutory Responsibilities, Community Confidence and National Developments was to be discussed. This document outlines the statutory responsibilities of local authorities for Religious Education and collective worship, including the establishment and support of SACREs and the convening of Agreed Syllabus Conferences. It highlights that RE is a statutory subject in all state-funded schools and that councils retain important responsibilities in this area, even within an increasingly academised system.

The document also details the structure of SACREs, comprising four representative groups, and the specific role of elected members in Group D. These members are expected to bring a democratic and civic perspective, helping to ensure SACRE advice reflects community needs and that statutory responsibilities are fulfilled effectively. The report pack emphasised that successful SACREs focus on supporting rigorous and informed RE, offering advice to the authority, supporting teachers and schools, and fostering collaboration between different religion and belief communities. The legal position of RE in schools, which balances the historic place of Christianity with the diversity of modern Britain, was also to be reviewed.

Conferences

The council was scheduled to receive an update on planning for primary and secondary conferences. The Primary Conference was planned for 3 June 2026, with a venue yet to be confirmed, and Lat Blaylock was to support Stephen Pett. The Secondary Conference was confirmed for 30 June 2026 at the University of Worcester, with speakers including Karen Steele focusing on GCSE teaching, and sessions on pupil recruitment and achievement. A TeachMeet session was also planned, subject to interest.

Finance Update and Planning Future Support for Teachers

The meeting was to include a discussion on funding for the 2026/27 financial year. Potential initiatives to engage pupils and promote interest in RE were to be considered, including support for assemblies and guidance on addressing difficult or controversial issues. A priority was identified as a conference for Year 9 pupils in September, focusing on the benefits of studying GCSE Religious Education, with a proposed contribution of £2,000 from the SACRE budget. Chris Giles was scheduled to present a proposal on this matter at the June meeting.

Attendance at Primary and Secondary Heads Partnership Meetings

The council was to discuss the suggestion of SACRE representation at termly Heads' Partnership meetings. The discussion was expected to cover what information could be shared and who might attend on behalf of SACRE, with an agreement that any contribution should relate directly to SACRE responsibilities. Information about upcoming conferences was proposed to be shared to increase attendance.

Update from Members and Local Groups

An update was to be provided from members and local groups. This included a report from Dr Yvonne Stollard, who had attended a panel of speakers at a school in Worcester and raised concerns about the rise in antisemitism, emphasising RE's role in addressing this as a safeguarding issue. Concerns about inappropriate or inaccurate teaching of Judaism were also to be reported, with a recommendation to promote the Safe to Learn resource. Chris Giles was to provide an update on meetings being organised in local schools, and Tasnim Khawaja was to report on preparations for school visits to the Mosque.

Any Other Business

Under this item, Chris Giles was scheduled to report on the Strictly RE Conference held in Birmingham, highlighting a session with Sikh speakers, including Jatinder Loyal. The conference was noted as being well-attended and positively received.

Future Meeting Dates

The agenda included a review of future meeting dates, with Monday 5 October 2026 and Monday 8 March 2027 listed.