Kingston schools are set to relaunch their Faith Walks initiative, offering primary school children the opportunity to explore different places of worship within the borough and learn about diverse faiths.

The initiative was discussed at a recent meeting of the Kingston Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE), where members including Keren Wood and Rachel Phillips expressed strong interest in revitalising the programme. The Kingston SACRE Forward Plan Jul 2025 - FINAL outlines the council's commitment to promoting religious education and interfaith understanding within the community.

A collage of images representing different faiths, including a temple, an image of Ganesha, a nativity scene, a Passover Seder, a mosque, and ceremonial objects.
A collage of images representing different faiths, including a temple, an image of Ganesha, a nativity scene, a Passover Seder, a mosque, and ceremonial objects.Source: Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education papers, 7 July 2025

The Faith Walks aim to provide pupils in years five and six, and potentially younger children, with hands-on experience and opportunities for open discussions about different religions. The plan involves visiting various places of worship, where representatives will give presentations and answer questions. The initiative may start in areas like Surbiton, where different places of worship are in close proximity, and potentially expand to other areas within Kingston like North Kingston, depending on the success of the initial walks.

It's a fantastic idea, said Charmaine Lee, Chair of Kingston SACRE, during the meeting, highlighting the potential for children to gain a deeper understanding of different faiths through direct engagement.

Rachel Leventhall mentioned that school visits to the Kingston, Surbiton & District Synagogue are popular and have received positive feedback. She suggested linking these visits with the Faith Walks initiative. School visits are really going strong, Leventhall said. There's been a lot of positive feedback which we're really happy to hear.

The SACRE aims to create an engaging and educational experience for children, fostering interfaith understanding and appreciation within the community. The council will be working to coordinate the Faith Walks, ensuring they provide valuable learning opportunities for young students in Kingston.