The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss a range of topics including the provision of Religious Education (RE) in schools, examination results, and future planning. The meeting also included a presentation on resources and an update on the SACRE's development plan.

Presentation on Resources

Members were scheduled to receive a presentation on resources from David Priestley, Director of the North East Religious Resources Centre.

Work in Progress

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the SACRE's ongoing work. This included an update on contacts with schools and the training provision for Religious Education (RE). Members were scheduled to receive an update following the NASACRE Conference and to review and discuss the Northumberland SACRE Development Plan for 2025/26. Progress on a survey sent to schools was to be reported, and there was a planned discussion and agreement on a SACRE Excellence Award. The council was also set to discuss the support it can offer regarding Collective Worship in schools, and to consider a bid for Westhill Funding. Preparations for Interfaith Week in November 2026 and Holocaust Memorial Day in January 2027 were also on the agenda. Finally, members were to be informed of future training dates available to SACRE members, including a session on So you've joined your local SACRE scheduled for 25 June 2026.

Examination Results 2025

The meeting was scheduled to include a review and discussion of the 2025 examination results for Religious Education. This would cover both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 results.

Dates of Future Meetings

Members were due to agree on the dates for future SACRE meetings for the academic years 2026-27 and 2027-28.

Tributes to Deanna Van Der Velde

The meeting was scheduled to begin with tributes to Deanna Van Der Velde.

Minutes and Matters Arising

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 February 2026 were to be confirmed. This was to be followed by a review of matters arising from the previous meeting to follow up on decisions and action items.

Election of Vice-Chair

The election of a Vice-Chair for the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education was scheduled. The role of Chair and Vice-Chair is appointed from Members of Committees A, B, C and D, with appointments lasting for four years or until the person ceases to be a Member of the SACRE. Nominees are expected to have been a member of a SACRE for at least one year previously, and the Chair and Vice-Chair must be members of different committees. In the event of multiple nominations, an election would be held among the representatives of Committees A, B, C, and D.

Urgent Business

The council was to consider any urgent business that, due to special circumstances, the Chair deemed necessary to address.