Religious education

The main function of SACRE is to advise the local authority on religious education matters in accordance with its agreed syllabus

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)

Since 1988 local authorities have had a duty to establish a SACRE.

Religious education is a statutory part of the basic curriculum for all pupils, but it is not a national curriculum subject. Instead it is a responsibility of the council’s children’s services through its SACRE. SACRE monitors the effectiveness and appropriateness of the agreed syllabus, which is formally reviewed every five years.

The make up of SACRE

There are four committees on a SACRE:

  • Committee A: representatives of religious groups other than the Church of England
  • Committee B: representatives of the Church of England
  • Committee C: representatives of teacher organisations
  • Committee D: representatives of the local authority

They meet three times a year at most.

2025

Barking and Dagenham SACRE annual report 2025 (PDF, 1.74 MB)

Agreed Syllabus text for Barking and Dagenham 2025 (PDF, 2.6 MB)

2024

Barking and Dagenham SACRE annual report 2024 (PDF, 1.75 MB)

2023

LBBD SACRE annual report 2023 (PDF, 1.73 MB)

B&D Guidance on Collective Worship 5.23 (PDF, 1.43 MB)