The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 June 2026. The meeting agenda includes discussions on interfaith initiatives, national and local updates concerning religious education, and data from the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education.

Ideas for Interfaith Week

The council is scheduled to discuss ideas for Interfaith Week and other potential projects. This follows on from previous discussions about collaboration with the Richmond Faith and Belief Forum to explore how Religious Education can better involve young people in environmental issues. The Faith & Belief Forum also organises the London Dangoor Awards, which celebrate interfaith education projects in London, with nominations closing on 31st May 2026.

NATRE Workforce Data

A review of the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) workforce data is scheduled. This data, detailed in the Public reports pack, provides information on the hours dedicated to Religious Education (RE) across various school types and year groups. The report pack includes tables showing the percentage of hours allocated to RE and Key Stage 4¹ examination entries. NATRE is also currently conducting its biannual primary survey to gather evidence on the reality of RE in primary classrooms, which is used to influence government and Ofsted decisions.

National and Local Updates

The meeting agenda includes noting newsletters from NASACRE (the National Association of SACREs) and RE Today. These updates are expected to cover national policy developments and local initiatives relevant to religious education. A recent policy paper from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, Protecting What Matters: Towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom, is mentioned, highlighting the role of RE in fostering understanding of shared values and the role of SACREs in celebrating faith and belief communities.

Recent updates from RE Today indicate that new-style Ofsted reports are making more explicit mentions of RE, often within the personal development and wellbeing sections. However, there is a concern that a lack of focus on RE as a rigorous curriculum subject could lead to its dilution into broader pastoral provision.

The NASACRE conference and AGM, themed SACREs – bringing communities together, is scheduled to take place in Liverpool on 18th May. Additionally, the Westhill/NASACRE Awards, which fund projects promoting unity, community, and diversity, will open for applications in February 2027.

Various professional development courses for RE teachers are also highlighted, including those focusing on Sikhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and non-religious worldviews, offered by RE Today.

Update on Faith Direct Day

A verbal update on the plans for Faith Direct Day is scheduled to be received. In previous discussions, it was noted that there was a lack of volunteers for the primary Faith Direct Day planned for 22nd June 2026, with offers of help being passed on to the organiser, Liberty Sandeman.

Date of the Next Meeting

The date for the next SACRE meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 8 October 2026, at 6:30 pm in the Council Chamber at York House.