The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Monday 26 January 2026 to discuss the SACRE annual report, the RE Curriculum and Assessment Review, and updated guidance on Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). The council also considered a Supreme Court ruling on Religious Education in Northern Ireland and received an update on proposed public faith walks.

SACRE Annual Report 2024/25

The council reviewed the SACRE Annual Report for the academic year 2024/25. The report highlighted the council's activities, including three meetings held during the year, two of which took place at places of worship. It noted the welcome of new members and the departure of others. The report detailed the council's engagement with national developments in Religious Education (RE), such as Ofsted's Deep and meaningful? report and the Curriculum and Assessment Review. It also emphasised the importance of supporting the Wandsworth syllabus, which encourages a Worldviews approach to RE, and the continuation of initiatives like the Faith Trails for primary schools and Faith Direct for secondary students. The report expressed gratitude to all members and supporters of RE in Wandsworth.

RE Curriculum and Assessment Review

The SACRE discussed the interim report of the Curriculum and Assessment Review, focusing on its implications for Religious Education. Members agreed with the general points raised regarding the need for improvements in RE at both national and local levels. The review's final report, published in November 2025, recommended that RE be moved to the national curriculum to ensure access to high-quality provision. It proposed a staged approach, starting with the formation of a task and finish group to develop a draft RE curriculum, building on the existing National Content Standard for RE in England. The review also suggested considering a change in the name of Religious Education and recommended removing the statutory requirement for learners in school sixth forms to study RE, arguing it is inconsistent with the aims of 16-19 study.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) Guidance

The council was briefed on the updated statutory guidance for Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) issued by the Department for Education (DfE), which is to be implemented from September 2026. Wandsworth, Richmond, and Kingston Local Authorities are collaborating to produce a joint guidance document for schools. The briefing highlighted key developments in the new guidance, including an increased emphasis on pupil engagement, transparency with parents, and positivity. It noted a stronger encouragement for primary schools to include same-sex parents in discussions about families and for secondary schools to integrate same-sex relationships throughout the curriculum. The guidance also addresses gender identity, advising schools to be careful not to endorse any particular view as fact and to base discussions on the law. New or expanded content covers areas such as misogyny, sexual harassment, online harms, mental health, and positive masculinity. The guidance also strengthens expectations for parental engagement and transparency, requiring schools to consult parents and make curriculum materials available.

Northern Ireland RE Supreme Court Ruling

The SACRE discussed the recent Supreme Court ruling that the Christian-focused religious education taught in schools in Northern Ireland is unlawful. The court found that RE was not being approached in an objective, critical and pluralistic manner and that the current syllabus amounted to indoctrination. The ruling does not mean RE will cease to be taught but is expected to lead to pupils being taught more about other faiths alongside Christianity. The case was brought by a father and daughter who objected to being taught that Christianity was an absolute truth. The Supreme Court ruled that the right to withdraw pupils placed an undue burden on parents.

Proposed Public Faith Walks

An update was provided on proposed public faith walks, inspired by similar successful events in Merton. The discussion points included the potential for a £5 charge, with proceeds going to a local homeless charity, and the organisation of walks on Saturdays with police and marshal support. The proposal suggested using known venues from the primary faith trails in Wandsworth, potentially combining routes in Wimbledon, Southfields, and Tooting. Suggestions included starting at the Town Hall or the Khalsa Centre in Tooting and visiting various places of worship. The involvement of Wandsworth's PR/comms team, Brightside, was also mentioned.