--- title: "Huge growth in humanist representation on local religious education councils" date: "2026-08-03T11:55:25+01:00" modified: "2026-08-03T12:00:13+01:00" url: "https://humanists.uk/2026/08/03/huge-growth-in-humanist-representation-on-local-religious-education-councils/" post_id: 195465 categories: ["Education", "News", "Wales"] --- # Huge growth in humanist representation on local religious education councils ![](https://i0.wp.com/humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/SACRE.png?resize=1200%2C628&ssl=1)**The number of humanist representatives serving on local religious education councils has seen significant growth over the last five years, embedding a more inclusive education about religion and worldviews for young people across the country.** Today, there are 153 full humanist members sitting on Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education (SACREs) across England and Wales, out of a total of 170 SACREs. This marks an increase from around 60 full members in 2021, and is up from the low 20s over a decade ago. Every local authority in England and Wales is required to have a SACRE to advise on religious education (RE) in local schools. With syllabuses for RE still agreed at a local level, humanist representation on SACREs is crucial to securing the teaching of humanism and making sure RE lessons reflect the reality of modern Britain. Today, nearly every locally agreed syllabus in England and Wales is inclusive of humanism. A major catalyst for this surge in full memberships was the landmark [2023 High Court case, Bowen v Kent County Council](https://humanists.uk/2023/05/30/landmark-high-court-win-for-humanist-judge-rules-he-cannot-be-excluded-from-local-re-committee/). Supported by Humanists UK, humanist Steve Bowen successfully challenged Kent County Council after they refused to admit him as a full member of their SACRE. The High Court ruled that the council’s refusal was discriminatory and unlawful, making it clear that humanists have the right to serve as full members of SACREs alongside representatives of religions. Since the 2023 ruling, Humanists UK has worked to make sure that the Bowen precedent was acknowledged across the country. Dozens of local authorities have been persuaded to appoint humanists to their SACREs or give reps with previously co-opted or observer status full voting membership. ![](https://i0.wp.com/humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/humanist_sacre_reps_2021_vs_2026_v4.png?resize=1200%2C726&ssl=1)With the government’s recent proposal to add religious education to the national curriculum, there remains an open question about the future role of SACREs. However, even if they no longer decide on the subject content for RE, they may retain an advisory role, and the UK Government’s cohesion strategy [*Protecting What Matters*](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-what-matters-towards-a-more-confident-cohesive-and-resilient-united-kingdom/protecting-what-matters-towards-a-more-confident-cohesive-and-resilient-united-kingdom) suggested these bodies could play a role in promoting social cohesion. Humanist representation will therefore continue to be of importance. #### Humanist SACRE rep Steve Bowen said: > > ‘After I joined Kent SACRE I was warmly welcomed by colleagues and have enjoyed working collaboratively to support high-quality, inclusive religious education for Kent’s children. I contribute to projects gathering evidence on curriculum provision and have recently contributed to a teacher education day. My experience shows that humanist representation enriches a SACRE’s work by bringing our unique perspective, ensuring RE reflects the diversity of beliefs and worldviews found in our society.’ #### Humanists UK’s Head of Education Luke Donnellan commented: > > ‘We are delighted to see such an increase in the number of full humanist representatives on SACREs. While the Bowen case was an important moment for inclusive education, that’s been followed up by persistent, on-the-ground advocacy. Particular credit needs to go to our volunteer SACRE Reps Coordinator Trevor Dobson. Millions of young people will ultimately benefit from a more balanced education about religion and worldviews.’ #### Notes For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only). Read more about our work on [Religious Education](https://humanists.uk/campaigns/schools-and-education/school-curriculum/religious-education/). Find out more about SACRES and how to [volunteer to be a SACRE rep](https://humanists.uk/education/sacres-and-ascs/). Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.