Standing Advisory Comittee on Religious Education (SACRE)

Every LA is required by law to review its Agreed Syllabus for RE through its Standing Advisory Committee for RE every five years. SACRE is a body of people who represent all the major faiths and educational stakeholders in Sandwell.

How is a SACRE composed?

Group A:  Christian denominations other than the Church of England and other religions and their denominations, reflecting the principal religions of the area.

Group B:  The Church of England.

Group C:  Teacher and head teacher associations and often others representing education interest.

Group D:  The Local Authority.

What are a SACRE’s responsibilities towards RE?

In relation to RE, a SACRE:

  • advises the local authority (LA) on religious education given in accordance with the agreed syllabus, and on matters to do with RE as the SACRE sees fit or in response to those issues that might be referred to the SACRE by the LA;
  • monitors the provision and quality of agreed syllabus RE and the effectiveness of the syllabus itself;
  • provides advice and support on teaching agreed syllabus RE;
  • considers whether changes need to be made to the agreed syllabus;
  • offers advice to the LA, and through the LA to its schools, concerning how an existing agreed syllabus can be interpreted so as to fit in with a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum.