The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, to discuss updates on the locally agreed syllabus for Religious Education (RE), analyses of recent inspection reports, and the council's action plan and work programme. The meeting also included a review of workforce census data for secondary schools.

Update on Locally Agreed Syllabus

The council was scheduled to receive an update on the revised Lincolnshire locally agreed syllabus for RE, which was launched in July 2025. Schools are expected to adopt this syllabus as the basis for their RE curriculum by September 2026. The report was intended to allow SACRE members to consider whether the training and support offered to schools to implement the new syllabus were appropriate. The syllabus sets out what should be taught in RE, while the curriculum details how this will be delivered and why it is suitable for a specific school. It is a legal requirement for voluntary controlled schools to base their RE curriculum on the locally agreed syllabus, though voluntary aided schools and academies can choose to do so. The report detailed the training and support provided, including online sessions and network meetings, and highlighted feedback from teachers regarding the syllabus's strengths and challenges, such as its suitability for mixed-age classes and the amount of compulsory substantive knowledge required.

Analysis of Ofsted Reports: October 2025 - February 2026

A report was scheduled to be presented analysing Ofsted published reports for Lincolnshire schools between October 2025 and February 2026. The analysis focused on references to RE, British Values, and Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development. The report indicated that the majority of inspected schools received positive comments regarding pupils' understanding of respect and tolerance. However, one community primary school in Grantham was highlighted for having weaker knowledge and understanding of religion and worldviews. The report also noted that all references to RE, British Values, or SMSC were made within the Personal Development and Wellbeing section of inspection reports. A concern was raised regarding one secondary school where students not opting for GCSE Religious Studies did not have RE as part of their curriculum, which was noted as a breach of the academy's funding agreement. SACRE members were invited to consider how these findings might inform their work and to communicate with identified schools to offer support or congratulations.

Analysis of SIAMS Inspections 2025-26

The council was set to review an analysis of SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection reports for Church of England and Methodist schools in Lincolnshire during the 2025-26 academic year. These inspections assess how well schools live up to their foundation as faith schools, with a particular focus on RE and collective worship. The report indicated that all inspected Anglican and Methodist schools in the region met their legal foundation requirements. Key findings highlighted that RE is a valued subject in these schools, with curricula balancing the study of various world faiths and Christianity. Collective worship was also noted as a meaningful time for reflection and spiritual growth. Development points for some schools included enhancing pupils' understanding of the diversity within Christianity and other worldviews.

Analysis of Catholic School Inspections to date - 2025-26 (Diocese of Nottingham)

A report was scheduled to provide an analysis of inspections for Catholic schools in Lincolnshire conducted by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate for the Diocese of Nottingham during the 2025-26 academic year. These inspections evaluate how well Catholic schools uphold their foundation as faith schools, focusing on the RE curriculum and the provision of liturgy and prayer. The report indicated that Catholic schools in Lincolnshire follow a diocese-approved curriculum based on the Catholic Education Service's RE Handbook. One school, St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy in Grantham, received a Good rating in its diocesan inspection, which differs from its Ofsted rating. It was clarified that Catholic School Inspections assess compliance with diocesan requirements for teaching RE, whereas Ofsted inspections judge the overall quality of the RE curriculum.

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 findings over the academic year, including its work on the locally agreed syllabus, monitoring of RE provision, and analysis of examination data. The report highlighted the ongoing revision of the locally agreed syllabus, with the 2025 syllabus launched in July 2025 and schools transitioning to it by September 2026. It also noted the retirement of the local authority RE Adviser, Wendy Harrison, and the appointment of Gillian Georgiou as interim RE Adviser. The report included examination data for GCSE, AS Level, and A Level Religious Studies, showing Lincolnshire's performance compared to regional and national averages. It also outlined SACRE's engagement with other bodies, such as the Diocesan RE Adviser and NASACRE (National Association of SACREs), and discussed membership and training arrangements.

Workforce Census Data Analysis - Lincolnshire Secondary Schools

A report was scheduled to present an analysis of workforce census data from Lincolnshire secondary schools. This data was intended to provide insights into the provision and impact of RE within these schools. The report highlighted that not all schools use the term Religious Education, with some using alternatives like Theology, Philosophy and Ethics. It also reiterated the statutory duty for all students up to age 18 to have RE as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, with an expectation of a minimum of 5% curriculum time. The analysis suggested that only one Lincolnshire secondary school was compliant with this expectation across all key stages, and that no school provided the minimum 10% curriculum time for GCSE Religious Studies. The report also noted that 11 schools reported no provision of RE in Year 11, which is a breach of statutory duties. SACRE members were asked to consider what this data reveals about RE provision and how it might shape the council's action plan.

SACRE Action Plan 2025-26

The council was scheduled to consider the SACRE Action Plan for 2025-26, which outlines key priorities based on the NASACRE self-assessment tool. These priorities include ensuring schools have access to high-quality RE training and support, actively seeking teacher and pupil voice on RE provision, producing regionally specific case studies for Lincolnshire schools, and contributing to community cohesion. The action plan acknowledges the transition to the new locally agreed syllabus and the potential implications of the National Curriculum and Assessment Review. Updates on progress towards these actions were to be presented, including feedback from training sessions and school leaders, and the development of case studies.

SACRE Work Programme

The council was to review the SACRE Work Programme, which outlines planned agenda items for future meetings. The programme included regular updates on Ofsted and SIAMS inspection reports, Catholic school inspections, and the SACRE Action Plan. It also noted the upcoming election of the Chair and Vice-Chair. The programme also indicated items that were yet to be programmed.