Kingston's Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) is looking to increase Muslim representation on the council to better reflect the borough's diverse religious makeup. According to the 2021 census, Muslims constitute 8% of the population in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.
The SACRE advises the local authority on matters related to religious education (RE), reviews the locally agreed syllabus for RE, and considers applications from head teachers. Increased Muslim representation could potentially influence the curriculum by bringing a Muslim perspective to the review and development of the locally agreed syllabus and advising on resources and teaching methods.
The issue was raised at a SACRE meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025, during an update on membership nominations and appointments. Councillor Alison Holt, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Economic Development, voiced concerns about the lack of Muslim representation, given the percentage of Muslims in the borough. The SACRE Membership List shows a vacant position for a representative from the Muslim community.
Helena Moore from Achieving for Children (AfC) explained that AfC is responsible for seeking nominations for Representative Groups A, B, and C from relevant organisations and communities. She stated that emails to religious groups, including Muslim communities, need to be drafted and sent out to garner nominations. She hopes to have a more tangible update in the new academic year. The SACRE Constitution and Working Arrangements report mentions that the Director of Education Services seeks nominations for Representative Groups A, B, and C from relevant organizations and communities.
Greta Farian, representative of Humanists UK, inquired whether three individuals who had previously expressed interest in joining the SACRE had been contacted. Ms. Moore said she was not sure but would follow up on those expressions of interest.
The SACRE Membership List indicates several vacancies within the membership, particularly for teacher representatives and representatives from various religious groups.
