The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss the progress of student-led projects exploring the impact of religious and non-religious worldviews on the local community, and to review the annual report on Religious Education outcomes in the borough. The meeting also included discussions on the upcoming review of the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

Student RE Report

The meeting was scheduled to consider a report on the Student RE report, an interdisciplinary project focused on how religious and non-religious worldviews translate into tangible community support. The project aims to give students opportunities to investigate, reflect upon, and articulate the practical, societal impact of these worldviews. Highlights of the project included ongoing interfaith visits and social action-based RE projects involving schools such as St Bon's, Plaistow, Azhar Academy, Kier Hardie, and St Angela's. Students were collecting community information to produce accessible resources for families, such as A5 flyers with QR codes, to help secondary pupils understand how local faith communities support the borough through charity, service, and outreach. A Q&A panel with local faith and charitable leaders was planned for March 3rd, 2026. Councillor Shantu Ferdous, Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities, inquired about the frequency of visits, which are typically once per half term. Claire Clinton, RE Advisor for Newham, emphasised the borough's strong national reputation for RE and interfaith education.

Annual Report 2024-25 Discussion

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the annual report for 2024-25, presented by Claire Clinton. The report highlighted strong performance in Religious Studies (RS) GCSE results, with approximately 3,500 students taking the full course. Newham reportedly had the highest entry rate in the country for RS GCSE, with results consistently 6–10% above national averages at grades 9-7 and 9-4. Notably, students often achieved one grade higher in RS compared to English. The report also detailed outstanding performance among disadvantaged pupils, with 35% achieving grades 9–7, a figure higher than the national average, and a very small gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils. Exceptional results were also noted for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with those holding Educational Health Care Plans (EHCP) achieving 15% at grades 9–7, and those with SEND support achieving 18% at grades 9–7. A-Level results were also strong, with Newham achieving 49% at A-A (compared to the national 25.7%) and 93% at A-C (compared to the national 78%). Actions agreed included RE Matters writing letters to high-performing schools, circulating exam analysis to all secondary schools, and providing tailored support to schools identified as needing further assistance.

2025-2026 SACRE Priorities Update

An update on the SACRE's priorities for 2025-2026 was scheduled for discussion. Progress on these priorities was reported to be on schedule, with no concerns raised.

Monitoring Forms for 2026

Claire Clinton was expected to introduce proposed new monitoring forms for distribution in the summer term. These forms were designed to include revised criteria reflecting the new Ofsted framework. Teachers were anticipated to welcome the clarity these forms would offer, particularly for newer staff, with members potentially suggesting refinements before Easter.

CaAR Next Steps

The meeting was set to cover the next steps for the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CaAR), which is a government review of Religious Education. Claire Clinton was to report on national developments, including the exploration of a light-touch national programme of study for RE. It was noted that Claire is part of a five-person national working group leading engagement with over 120 faith and belief organisations. The government's intention to strengthen, rather than remove, the role of SACREs was also to be discussed, with Newham's syllabus being used as a model example. Members were expected to express pride in Claire's national leadership.

Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC) - Meeting 1

Following the SACRE meeting, an Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC) was scheduled to commence. Claire Clinton was to explain that the agreed syllabus must be reviewed every five years to ensure it remains educationally robust, legally compliant, supported by local faith communities, and practical for schools. The membership of the ASC was to be discussed, with all SACRE members invited and substitutions permitted if a sponsoring body nominated an alternative. A detailed schedule for the syllabus review was to be presented, outlining key stages from Spring 2025 to June 2027, including teacher surveys, working groups, faith/belief consultations, and the preparation of a draft syllabus. Members were to be advised on preparation for the review, including reviewing the current syllabus and awaiting teacher feedback.

Faith Forum, F&BF and Interfaith Week 2026

The agenda also included a discussion on the Faith Forum, Faith & Belief Forum (F&BF), and Interfaith Week 2026.

NASACRE Conference

The meeting was scheduled to include a discussion regarding the National Association of SACREs (NASACRE) conference.

RE in National Curriculum Update

An update on Religious Education in the national curriculum was also on the agenda.

Any Other Business

Councillor Shantu Ferdous was expected to request that SACRE's strong RE outcomes be presented at the Education & CYP Scrutiny Committee. The date of the next SACRE meeting was to be confirmed, with the intention of hosting it in a school.

The meeting was scheduled to be live-streamed on www.youtube.com/lbnewham.