Sandwell is a rich tapestry of religious and cultural diversity; six towns of interweaving faith and non-faith communities that reflect the wider world and Christian traditions of the United Kingdom. As world events in the 21st century continue to draw attention to the power and significance of religious belief, other beliefs and philosophies in shaping minds and communities, an understanding of different faiths and beliefs is as relevant today than ever before.
Religious Education is concerned with the deep meaning that individuals and groups make of their experiences and how this helps them give purpose to their lives. It provides opportunities to explore, make and respond to the meanings of those experiences in relation to the beliefs and experiences of others as well as to one's own experiences. The legal requirements concerning RE in England allows for the syllabus to be determined locally and reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain.
As RE is not part of the national curriculum, the LA ensures that there is a Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education (SACRE) which is responsible for the character of RE in Sandwell schools. Under the 1988 Education Act SACRE has a duty to publish and then review every five years an Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education which explains the value and purposes of RE for all pupils and specifies for teachers what shall be taught in each age group. The current Agreed Syllabus (2024 - 2029) provides a coherent framework for setting high standards of learning and achievment in RE, whilst also promoting pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.