The Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss local and national updates regarding religious education (RE), including the review of the Locally Agreed Syllabus, the Bexley Spirited Arts Competition, local speakers for school visits, the Westhill Awards 2027, the Curriculum and Assessment Review, and a programme on pilgrimage. The council agreed to circulate information about the BBC programme on pilgrimages to members after the meeting. Members also supported the idea of holding future SACRE meetings at different locations of faiths within the borough.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics discussed:

National and Local Updates on Religious Education

Ms Rizwana Rehman, officer for LB Bexley, provided both national and local updates on religious education.

National Updates

Ms Rehman reported on the Curriculum and Assessment Review, noting its surprising but positive mention of RE. She highlighted the challenges RE faces, including a significant drop in GCSE RE attainment since 2010. NASACRE¹ is currently discussing solutions to support RE and encourage schools to offer it as a GCSE option.

Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Deputy Mayor of Bexley 2025/26, raised concerns about how government changes regarding wellbeing might affect RE in schools. Ms Rehman acknowledged that schools often focus on social and cultural differences rather than RE. Councillor Howard Jackson queried whether the government was creating any new policies regarding RE that could be used to improve RE locally. Ms Rehman said that there were no changes in policy currently however there were discussions regarding publication of a proposed standardised curriculum for RE, nationwide.

Councillor Jackson asked about NASACRE's approach to the concerns regarding RE. Ms Rehman explained that NASACRE has been asking the government for stricter guidelines, as there is currently no consensus on whether a national curriculum for RE is better or not. She added that there are concerns that a national curriculum could undermine local SACREs, which are in charge of the Locally Agreed Syllabus. Councillor Jackson believed that Bexley SACRE should not make any changes yet, as it is up to the government to make any changes first. Ms Rehman agreed, suggesting that they keep ideas on the table to feed back to NASACRE.

Ms Rehman also informed the board that links had been sent to the SACRE Clerk regarding the BBC programme regarding pilgrimages and that material had been provided to schools for KS2, 3 and 4.

Ms Rehman explained that they have been asking Government to raise further questioning regarding RE, including asking for stricter guidelines as there is no consensus currently on whether a national curriculum for RE is better or not.

Local Updates

Ms Rehman informed the board that discussions with schools regarding the Locally Agreed Syllabus were taking place and that they were close to finalising it. She added that this would be presented at the next Locally Agreed Syllabus Conference which would be organised towards the end of the year.

Regarding the Spirited Arts Competition, Ms Rehman reminded members that the deadline was 31 July and asked them to consider prizes to incentivise school participation. Mrs Michelle Torrance suggested an exhibition of the art pieces at the Civic Centre, allowing officers, members, and the public to view them. It was also suggested that the winner of the competition should be added into the Bexley newsletter. Councillor Andy Dourmoush suggested involving the competition within the Mayor's events, especially as the current Mayor was previously the chairman of Bexley's SACRE. Councillor Rags Sandhu added that displaying the art a week early would be beneficial and a positive way to discuss different faiths through art.

Ms Rehman explained that both Rev Dr Julie Bowen and Dr Fazlur Rashid have volunteered to speak at local schools about their faith backgrounds. Councillor Sandhu offered to connect the Sikh community with schools for similar speaking opportunities and suggested school visits to the temple.

Ms Rehman also mentioned that she would be applying for the Westhill Grant in 2027 and encouraged members to consider how the grant could be used to support RE in the borough, noting the judging committee's interest in both RE and collective worship.

The board discussed the possibility of holding SACRE meetings at different locations of faiths, instead of keeping it formal at the Civic Offices. Ms Rehman agreed, mentioning that another SACRE she is a part of often does this. Ms Vicky Hart also supported the idea, stating that it would be a good way to have a shared understanding of different faiths. Councillor Esther Amaning added that it also plays into the aspect of British Values.

Minutes from the Last Meeting

The minutes from the meeting held on 12 March 2025 were approved as an accurate record.

Declaration of Interest

Councillor Dourmoush declared that he was on the board of trustees of the Eden Valley Group.