The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) of Camden Council met on June 10, 2026. The agenda included consideration of applications for determinations regarding collective worship in three schools, updates on interfaith activities and national developments in Religious Education, and a review of the council's priorities for the upcoming year. Discussions were also planned regarding the Faith Forum's work, the NASACRE conference, and the dissemination of RE resources.

School Collective Worship Determinations

The meeting was scheduled to consider applications for determinations regarding collective worship from three schools: Rhyl Community Primary School, Torriano & Brecknock Primary School, and Regent High School. These schools were seeking to renew their determinations, which allow for collective worship to be conducted in a manner that reflects the diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds of their pupils, rather than being primarily of a broadly Christian character, as stipulated by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

For each school, the report pack was expected to include their determination application, their collective worship policy, their assembly plans, and observations from the SACRE RE Professional Advisor.

• Rhyl Community Primary School was expected to present an updated analysis of its pupil demographics, noting a significant increase in Muslim pupils and a decrease in Christian pupils since its previous determination. The school's policy aims to foster moral, social, spiritual, and cultural development, with an emphasis on equal opportunities and inclusion. The assembly plans were to detail a termly programme incorporating various themes and festivals, with a focus on shared values and respect for differences. An observation report was to highlight a well-structured assembly on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Moon Day, which included contributions from six different religions.

• Torriano & Brecknock Primary School (Federation) was also expected to note a shift in its pupil demographics, with a majority of pupils now identifying as having no religion. Their collective worship policy, shared with Brecknock Primary School, emphasizes inclusivity, non-denominational practice, and the promotion of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, integrating UNCRC principles. The planned assemblies are designed to be inclusive of all faiths and beliefs, encouraging reflection, empathy, and social responsibility, and incorporating celebrations of cultural and religious festivals.

• Regent High School was to provide an analysis showing a continued majority of Muslim pupils, alongside a significant Christian and non-religious population. The school's policy, updated in May 2026, aims to provide opportunities for reflection, stillness, and community values, celebrating diversity and inclusion. The proposed organisational arrangements include daily assemblies and tutor time activities, with a Theme of the Week model. The draft sequence for collective worship was to outline themes such as belonging, democracy, respect, equality, and remembrance, drawing from various traditions and ethical issues. An observation of a Year 7 assembly focused on the theme of responsibility, providing practical tips for exam preparation and encouraging reflection.

Faith Forum Update

A representative from the Camden Faith Forum was scheduled to provide a verbal update on their recent activities, including interfaith events and support initiatives. Feedback was to be sought from SACRE members on how the council could further support the Faith Forum's work.

Update on NASACRE Conference 2026

Sarah Richardson, Chair of SACRE, and Claire Clinton, SACRE RE Professional Advisor, were expected to give a verbal update on the National Association of SACRE (NASACRE) Conference held in Liverpool. This update would also include insights from any SACRE members who had attended workshops at the conference.

Camden SACRE Priorities 2025-26

A report was to outline Camden SACRE's priorities for the 2025-26 academic year. Members were invited to provide feedback on how they could contribute to these actions, with the document intended to serve as a live record of ongoing work. The priorities included the production of the annual report, the implementation of the Agreed Syllabus, the continuation of primary and secondary RE network meetings, efforts to enhance SACRE membership, professional development for SACRE members, support for Key Stage 4 RE, and the development of a SACRE self-evaluation toolkit.

Camden RE Newsletter & Networks

Details of the Summer term RE newsletter and the minutes from the last two RE network meetings with Camden Schools from the Spring term 2026 were to be presented. These documents aimed to share information on national and local RE developments, resources, and best practices with RE leads in Camden schools.

2026 Interfaith Primary Camden Conferences Evaluation Results

The evaluation results from the 2026 Interfaith Primary Camden Conferences were to be presented. Feedback from teachers was to highlight the positive impact of the conferences on pupils' understanding of community, diversity, and respect. Teachers were also to share what they had enjoyed about the events and what they could take away for their own teaching practice. The report was to detail the number of pupils, schools, teachers, and religion and belief leaders who participated across the five conferences, as well as the creation of films and resources for schools.

National Updates

Claire Clinton was scheduled to provide verbal updates on national developments relevant to Religious Education and Collective Worship. This was to include information on the Curriculum & Assessment Review (CaAR) and the Department for Education's (DfE) review of collective worship. SACRE members were to be encouraged to provide feedback on how the council could enhance its knowledge of these national issues.