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School effectiveness

Religious education

The RE syllabus 2024-29

In June 2024 a new RE syllabus was launched for schools in Devon, Torbay and Plymouth. This syllabus was been developed in close consultation with teachers and school leaders. It is a development of the last syllabus, with significant extensions in line with current thinking and practice. Crucial changes include:

  • Adapting to a new Religion and Worldviews approach to RE
  • Integrating Ofsted’s 3 forms of knowledge (substantive, ‘ways of knowing’ and personal knowledge)
  • More systematic coverage of non-religious worldviews (especially Humanism)
  • Offering additional alternative primary units on anti-racism, caring for the earth and multi-disciplinary RE and using more local examples
  • Including more detail on assessment techniques
  • Providing more materials to support teachers with developing subject knowledge

Who is this syllabus for?

This syllabus has been put in place for all schools. It will be a statutory requirement for all maintained schools without a religious character and it is recommended for all academies. The Diocese of Exeter recommends it for Church schools, being fully compatible with Understanding Christianity and the RE Statement of Entitlement for CofE schools.
It comes with a full curriculum plan, guidance on assessment and detailed medium-term planning. Additional support materials for primary schools can be purchased from RE Today. 

2026 primary RE support materials

Mapping Oak Academy resources to the Devon RE syllabus (RE Today Syllabus B)
This excellent document sets out the links to show where the (free to access) Oak Academy materials can be used to support specific units in the Devon and Torbay RE syllabus.


The RE syllabus for 2024 – 2029 is available from the RE Today website. To view the full syllabus with supporting resources you will need to enter a password. Email Ed Pawson or Jennifer Ord for the password.

Please do not put this full syllabus document on your school website. You can download a shorter website version here.

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Contact the RE Team

Call on 01392 287361 or email efpawson@gmail.com.

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