Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE)

What this committee does

Since 1988 local authorities have had a duty to establish a Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (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 local responsibility of the Children's Services Authority (CSA) through its SACRE.

The SACRE advises the CSA on matters relating to collective worship in community schools and on religious education given in accordance with the locally agreed syllabus. The SACRE monitors the effectiveness and appropriateness of the agreed syllabus, which is formally reviewed every five years.

You can download the East Sussex RE syllabus on Czone – the website for people working in Children's Services in East Sussex.

It also publishes support materials, approves a programme of training for teachers and sponsors or supports other projects which it deems to be consistent with its responsibility to promote religious education and spiritual, moral, social and cultural education in schools.

Each year, by the end of December, the East Sussex SACRE submits a report of its activities to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).

Minutes and reports

Download meeting minutes and reports.

When and where it meets

SACRE meetings are held three times a year. They are open meetings and you are welcome to attend.

SACRE meeting dates

  • 17 November 2011 – RE Room, Priory School, Lewes.
  • 29 February 2012 – William Parker School, Hastings.
  • 26 June 2012 (AGM) – Council Chamber, County Hall, Lewes.
  • 21 November 2012 – Committee Room, County Hall, Lewes.

Refreshments are provided from 1.30pm and meetings start at 2pm.

If you wish to attend please contact the SACRE Clerk.

Committee members

SACREs consist of four groups:

  • Group A
    Representatives of Christian denominations other than the Church of England and representatives of other faiths
  • Group B
    Representatives of the Church of England
  • Group C
    Teacher members nominated by the main teacher associations
  • Group D
    LEA representatives usually including elected Council members.

SACRE contacts

Contact the CSA Adviser and The Clerk.

Also see the full list of current SACRE members.