The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting scheduled for 28 April 2026 was set to cover a comprehensive review of Religious Education (RE) provision and inspection outcomes across Lincolnshire's schools. Key discussions were planned around the implementation of the new locally agreed syllabus, analysis of recent Ofsted and SIAMS inspection reports, and the development of SACRE's action plan for the upcoming academic year.

Update on Locally Agreed Syllabus

The council was scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of the revised Lincolnshire locally agreed syllabus for RE, which was launched in July 2025. The report was intended to inform members about the training and support offered to schools to help them adopt the syllabus by September 2026. The syllabus outlines what should be taught in RE, while the curriculum details how this will be delivered within specific school contexts. It is a legal requirement for voluntary controlled schools to base their RE curriculum on the locally agreed syllabus.

Analysis of Ofsted Reports

A review of Ofsted published reports for Lincolnshire schools between October 2025 and February 2026 was on the agenda. The analysis focused on references to RE, British Values, and Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development. The report highlighted that while most schools received positive comments regarding pupils' understanding of respect and tolerance, one community primary school in Grantham showed weaker knowledge and understanding of religion and worldviews. The council was invited to consider how positive comments about tolerance and respect relate to the quality of RE and to assess whether secondary schools were fulfilling their statutory duties in relation to RE.

Analysis of SIAMS Inspections

The meeting was also set to consider the findings from SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspections conducted in Lincolnshire during the 2025-26 academic year. These inspections assess how well Church of England and Methodist schools are living up to their foundation as schools of religious character. The report focused on comments regarding collective worship and RE, noting that all inspected Anglican and Methodist schools in the region met their legal foundation requirements. However, nationally, some schools cited weaknesses in RE.

Analysis of Catholic School Inspections

An analysis of Catholic school inspections for the 2025-26 academic year from the Diocese of Nottingham was also scheduled. These inspections evaluate how well Catholic schools uphold their foundation as faith schools, with a focus on the RE curriculum and the quality of liturgy and prayer. The report noted that Catholic schools in Lincolnshire follow a diocese-approved curriculum based on the Catholic Education Service's RE Handbook.

Lincolnshire SACRE Annual Report 2024-25

The council was invited to approve the Lincolnshire SACRE Annual Report for 2024-25. This report details SACRE's activities and achievements during the period, including its work on the revision of the locally agreed syllabus, monitoring of RE provision, and analysis of examination data. The report highlighted that 56.6% of students across Lincolnshire achieved a strong pass (Grade 5 or above) in GCSE Religious Studies, compared to the national average of 62.3%.

Workforce Census Data Analysis

An overview of workforce census data from Lincolnshire secondary schools was presented to analyse the provision and impact of RE. The report indicated that only one Lincolnshire secondary school was compliant with the expectation of providing a minimum of 5% curriculum time for RE across key stages. Furthermore, eleven Lincolnshire secondary schools reported no provision of RE in Year 11, which is a breach of statutory duties. The council was asked to consider how this data might shape SACRE's action plan and work programme.

SACRE Action Plan 2025-26

The meeting was scheduled to review the SACRE Action Plan for 2025-26, which outlines key priorities for the academic year. These priorities include ensuring schools have access to high-quality RE training and support, actively seeking teacher and pupil feedback on RE provision, and producing regionally specific case studies for use in Lincolnshire schools. The plan also noted the potential implications of the National Curriculum and Assessment Review, which recommended that RE become part of the National Curriculum.

SACRE Work Programme

Finally, the council was to review the SACRE Work Programme, outlining planned agenda items for future meetings, including the analysis of Ofsted, SIAMS, and Catholic school inspection reports, and updates on the action plan.