The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met online on Monday 8 June 2026. Key discussions included preparations for the Agreed Syllabus Conference, the monitoring of RE standards in local schools, and the proposed Kingston and Richmond SACRE Award for Quality Religious Education. The council also received updates on national RE developments and reviewed its forward plan and meeting schedule.

Agreed Syllabus Conference Preparations

Preparations for the Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC) are underway, with the current Kingston syllabus licensed for use until the end of the 2027/28 academic year. A school survey was conducted to gather feedback on the current syllabus and identify areas for development. The results of this survey will help shape future RE network meetings. The timeline for ASC preparations is dependent on national curriculum decisions, which are still pending. The local authority intends to appoint the same members of SACRE to the ASC.

Monitoring Standards of RE and Collective Worship

The council reviewed data on GCSE Religious Studies examination results and teaching hours for schools in the borough. Concerns were raised about the significant discrepancies in GCSE RE entry rates across schools, with some having very low numbers of candidates. While academies are not mandated to follow the SACRE syllabus, they are legally required to offer RE. Discussions also touched upon the potential for School Improvement Partners (SIPs) to assist in monitoring RE standards, though this has not yet been formally agreed by the relevant team.

Kingston and Richmond SACRE Award for Quality Religious Education

The council discussed the proposed Kingston and Richmond SACRE Award for Quality Religious Education . The aim of this award is to celebrate and promote excellent RE provision in local schools. While the assessment criteria and form were presented, a decision on approving the award's implementation and appointing assessors was postponed. This was due to ongoing discussions regarding the budget for assessors, with suggestions made to explore funding from external bodies or faith communities. Several members expressed interest in becoming assessors, including Kieran Wood and Shamma Khan. Helena Moore, Lead Improvement Advisor for Curriculum at Achieving for Children (AfC), will continue to explore budgetary options and report back at the next meeting.

RE Today Updates

Stephen Peirce, an advisor from RE Today, provided an update on national RE matters. He highlighted that around half of new-style Ofsted reports now explicitly mention RE, though often within the context of personal development and wellbeing rather than as a rigorous curriculum subject. A policy paper from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, Building a Cohesive Society, also recognised the role of RE and SACREs in promoting social cohesion. Updates were also given on funding opportunities from the Jerusalem Trust for teaching Christianity, the NASACRE conference, and the Westhill/NASACRE Awards for projects promoting unity, community, and diversity. Stephen also encouraged primary schools to participate in the NATRE survey by the 31st of July to influence government and Ofsted decisions.

Forward Plan and Meeting Schedule

The council noted its forward plan, which includes the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2026/27 academic year and the approval of the annual report. The meeting schedule for the upcoming academic year was confirmed, with the autumn term annual meeting set for Monday 19 October 2026 at the Guildhall, and a spring term meeting planned for Monday 8 March 2027, to be held in person at a place of worship or school.

Membership Updates

The meeting noted changes in SACRE membership. Mr Richard Martin was appointed as a Group A member representing Humanists UK. Sadly, co-opted member Simon Birch passed away on 8 May. Councillors Helen Milestone, Callum Morrissey, and Sarah Wait-Sillett were appointed as Group D members representing the local authority. Helena Moore announced she would be leaving her role at AfC at the end of the academic year, with her replacement to be confirmed.