The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting scheduled for 2 February 2026 was set to discuss a proposed Code of Conduct for its members and review updated national guidance on Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). The council was also scheduled to receive updates on various SACRE activities and national developments in Religious Education.

SACRE Code of Conduct

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed approval of a Code of Conduct for members of the SACRE. This code aims to enhance governance and ethical practice by providing guidance on expected conduct. The report outlined that the SACRE currently lacks a formal Code of Conduct, and the proposed document is intended to be appended to the SACRE Constitution. Amendments to the constitution were also scheduled for approval to reflect these changes. The report recommended that all existing and newly appointed members be required to sign a declaration to abide by the Code of Conduct. The proposed Code of Conduct incorporates the Seven Principles of Public Life, also known as the Nolan Principles, and includes sections on SACRE meetings and membership, safeguarding and child protection, confidentiality and data protection, equality, diversity and inclusion, social media and public communications, visiting schools as a SACRE member, and visiting schools as a representative of a faith community. The report also detailed proposed amendments to the SACRE Constitution to incorporate the Code of Conduct and outline procedures for handling complaints.

Updated National Statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) Guidance

The SACRE was invited to note and comment on a draft document concerning the updated national statutory guidance on Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). This guidance, to be issued to primary and secondary schools in the boroughs of Wandsworth, Richmond upon Thames, and Kingston upon Thames, provides support and guidance on the government's revised requirements. The briefing note prepared for the SACRE highlighted that the updated guidance, effective from September 2026, aims to equip pupils with knowledge and skills for well-being, health, and relationships. It addresses new and expanded content areas, including online harms, mental health, and the importance of positive masculinity. The guidance also places a renewed emphasis on pupil engagement, transparency with parents, and age and stage appropriateness of content. The report noted that RSHE lessons are a mandatory part of the curriculum and are subject to Ofsted inspection.

Agreed Syllabus Conference Preparations

The meeting was scheduled to include a presentation on the preparations for the Agreed Syllabus Conference. This conference is a crucial event for reviewing and updating the locally agreed syllabus for Religious Education, with the current syllabus effective until September 2028.

National RE Updates and RE Today's Update

Updates were scheduled to be received from RE Today, including information on national developments in Religious Education. A key report discussed was the Curriculum and Assessment Review, which recommended moving RE to the national curriculum to improve its standing and access to high-quality provision. The report also touched upon the EBacc¹ and its impact on pupil choice, as well as proposed changes to GCSE and A Level Religious Studies. Additionally, the SACRE was to be informed about the work of the Expert Advisory Group on RE and the National Curriculum, and a report titled Beyond the Classroom: Informal Religion and Worldviews Education in the UK was to be presented. A UK Supreme Court ruling on RE and worship in Northern Ireland schools was also to be discussed, alongside findings from the NATRE Secondary Survey regarding staffing, curriculum time, and workload in RE.

Monitoring Standards of RE & Collective Worship and Other SACRE Activities

The council was set to continue discussions from the previous meeting on monitoring the standards of Religious Education and collective worship in Kingston schools. Further discussions were planned regarding the RE Award, Schools' Faith Walks initiative, and the feasibility of organising an Annual Lecture. Members were also scheduled to provide updates on their respective activities.