The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting scheduled for 2 July 2026 was set to cover a range of important topics concerning religious education and collective worship in Doncaster's schools. Key discussions were expected to include the adoption of a new locally agreed syllabus, the review of the council's annual report, and updates on national developments in religious education.

Terms of Reference and Constitution

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the Terms of Reference and Constitution of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE). This document outlines the council's statutory responsibilities, membership structure, voting procedures, and administrative arrangements. It details how SACRE operates within the law and guidance from the Department for Education, including its duty to advise the Local Authority on matters related to agreed syllabus RE and collective worship. The constitution also specifies the composition of SACRE, with representation from various religious denominations, teacher associations, and the Local Authority itself.

Doncaster SACRE Annual Report 2024/25

A significant item on the agenda was the review of the Doncaster SACRE Annual Report for the academic year 2024/25. This report was expected to detail the council's activities, priorities, and impact on religious education and collective worship in Doncaster schools. Key areas covered in the report included the development and adoption of the new Locally Agreed RE Syllabus (2025–2030), teacher training initiatives, and the monitoring of collective worship standards. The report also highlighted achievements such as increased teacher engagement and improved awareness of the new syllabus, alongside challenges such as meeting quoracy and leadership transitions. The report included appendices with data on Religious Studies examination results at GCSE and A/AS levels, noting a concerning decline in GCSE uptake in Doncaster compared to national averages.

NASACRE In Conversation, Yorkshire & Humber and SE Hubs

The meeting was scheduled to include an update from NASACRE (National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education) on discussions held with the Yorkshire & Humber and South East Hubs. This session was expected to cover topics such as local government reorganisation and its impact on SACREs, national curriculum reviews for Religious Education, and the evolving role of SACREs. Discussions were also anticipated regarding SACRE funding, community relations, and potential changes to the right of withdrawal from RE and collective worship.

Religious Education (RE) Update

An update on Religious Education was to be provided by Jake Womack from Pennine Learning. This would likely cover the national picture of RE, including curriculum and assessment review updates, and the implications for SACREs. The report pack indicated that RE is expected to become more integrated into the national curriculum, a development welcomed by many. The update was also expected to touch upon teacher training needs and the NATRE campaign for RE bursaries.

Collective Worship Update

Jake Womack from Pennine Learning was also scheduled to provide an update on Collective Worship. This would likely address the anticipated update to government guidance on collective worship, which dates back to 1994. While the law requiring a daily act of collective worship, broadly Christian in nature, in state-funded schools is not expected to change, the guidance itself is considered outdated.

Pennine Learning Specialist Advisor Report (including SEF)

The meeting was to receive a Specialist Advisor Report from Jake Womack of Pennine Learning, which included a summary of findings from a Self-Evaluation Framework (SEF). The SEF highlighted key areas for development for SACRE, including a review of its membership to ensure greater representativeness and active participation. It also emphasised the importance of equipping and training SACRE members, with details of upcoming NASACRE training sessions provided. The report suggested the need for a continually reviewed development plan, annual questionnaires on collective worship and RE, and increased opportunities to hear from pupils and teachers. Recommendations were also made to strengthen links with Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and to develop the relationship between SACRE and school senior leaders. Specific points were raised regarding the development of advice on collective worship, given that new guidance is anticipated, and the potential for SACRE to prepare advice and guidance on community cohesion.