NATRE Executive

Chris Giles

Subject Leader for Religious Studies, South Bromsgrove High School

Chris has led a highly successful RE Department since 2001, attracting large numbers of students at GCSE and A Level. Chris leads teaching and learning as part of the SLT at South Bromsgrove and is also a professional coach supporting teachers.

Chris is West Midlands RE Hubs leader and has been an active member of Worcestershire SACRE for nearly 30 years. He visits schools and SACREs in the West Midlands area promoting RE and providing support and training; he is passionate about curriculum reform and creative ways of increasing the time given to RE.

You can follow him on X and BlueSky

What do you love about RE?

RE challenges and changes us as human beings. It provides a unique way of enabling students to think critically about themselves and the world.

What do you love about NATRE?

RE teachers need to know they are not alone and that there are so many networks and avenues of support available.

Kelly Keatley

Head of RE, St Peter’s C of E Aided School

Kelly is a well-established Head of RE, currently working at St Peter’s C of E Aided School in Exeter. She has recently completed a Farmington Fellowship on improving evaluation responses at GCSE and has also taken on the leadership of the Exeter Learn, Teach, Lead RE (LTLRE) Hub this year. Kelly has long-standing links with the Exeter University PGCE course and has led sessions for the RE PGCE students for several years. Kelly’s favourite part of RE is the space that it gives students for reflection and to be able to tackle important ethical questions.

‘It is the most amazing privilege to teach a subject that allows students to develop an understanding of different religious and non-religious worldviews and also to have a safe space to discuss and debate important philosophical and ethical issues. RE is such an important subject and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a talented team of people at NATRE in shaping future developments.’

Charlotte Newman

Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics & Diversity Champion, Hinchingbrooke School

Charlotte Newman is a Head of Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics and Diversity Champion at a secondary school in Cambridgeshire. I am lucky enough to have led a large team of specialist teachers here for 7 years now. I am passionate about raising the profile of our subject to ensure it is recognised as academic, rigorous, and valuable by all stakeholders. I have been a member of the Exec for the last term and have thoroughly enjoyed speaking at Strictly, writing for RE Today, attending the Labour Party Conference to lobby MPs, and supporting others in providing great quality teaching. I have delivered much CPD on RE TMRSIcons, at my Local Agreed Syllabus launch, at my local group, and for Eduqas.

‘It is important to me to teach students about the worldviews of others so that they can begin to recognise and challenge their own as well as contribute to and embrace our diverse, multicultural society.’

‘The fact that we are an Association of Teachers for Teachers is so important as it means we truly understand and respond to the needs of those on the ground. There is a wealth of experience on this team and nothing is too much trouble for anyone as everyone is wholeheartedly committed to flying the flag for RE teachers.’

Rachael Jackson-Royal

Exams and Higher Education Officer, King Edward VI High School for Girls

Rachael is a HoD of RE and a local group leader. She undertook her BA in Religious Studies at Kings College, University of London, and a Masters in Religious Studies at SOAS, University of London. In 2012 she completed a doctorate looking at teaching Religious Studies through thinking skills grounded in social constructivist theories of learning. She has been part of the REC qualifications committee, liaises with exam boards (serving on teacher’s consultation groups) and Ofqual over the GCSE and A level in RE, has written textbooks, writes a research update for each issue of Professional Reflection of RE today magazine, works with numerous academics and attends AULRE and TRSUK meetings. She is particularly interested in helping teachers to engage more with research and looking at how theories of learning could be embedded in RE lessons.

‘I have a real passion for showing how research, both in RE and in theories of learning, can be used to enrich the teaching of this subject. I think this can not only help teachers flourish but also can show how the subject is dynamic, relevant, and fascinating for children to learn about.’

Catriona Card

Teacher, Berkeley Primary School

Catriona teaches a Reception class at a large community primary school in Scunthorpe where she is RE Subject Leader. She has been a member of her local SACRE for over 10 years and a is a NATRE local group leader. Catriona is a tutor on the Teach RE Course. Catriona has presented on Early Years RE at National and local RE conferences. She is a member of the NATRE steering group.

In her spare time Catriona runs a Girls’ Brigade company and is a Run Leader at her local Running Club.

‘I love the fact that RE helps people to make sense of the world, what is important to people, the impact of beliefs and practices on people’s lives, why people act as they do, and supports understanding of other viewpoints. It provides opportunities for visits (to places of worship and other places important to people because of their beliefs) to explore stories that hold meaning for people. I also think it is a subject that lends itself to creative approaches.’

‘NATRE provides me with quality resources and to a network of fellow professionals. It enables me to share my knowledge and understanding with others. NATRE also actively campaigns for high-quality RE and for access to resources and training for all which is important to me.’

Saima Saleh

Local Groups Officer,, NATRE . Teacher, Religion and Worldviews Lead, Ravenscote Junior School

Saima has over 29 years of teaching experience and is currently head of Religion and Worldviews- a role which she has had for over 15 years. She is an SLE for the Engage, Enrich, Excel Academy Trust and serves on the Surrey SACRE, where she has helped to write new units for the locally agreed syllabus. Saima is a member of the NATRE Executive steering group and is the Local Groups and Networks lead. She co-runs a Race and Education film club and is often invited to speak at conferences, locally, nationally, and globally, about her anti-racist work.

‘I absolutely love teaching the subject of Religion and Worldviews as it’s an ideal way of exploring how many people of religious and non-religious worldviews lead their lives and learning about what is important to them. Pupils get to do this through a wide range of lenses and I get to be at the forefront of that process. What an incredible experience! It’s the reason why myself and my pupils cannot wait for our RE lesson each week!’

‘By far, the best membership for a teacher of RE to have is one to NATRE! The reason why I love my membership so much is that it’s an excellent source of subject leadership support, up-to-date information about current RE-related news items and it offers a wide range of classroom resources. It is worth every penny; I’ve learned so much over the years from the excellent value cpd courses. The membership discounts on resources and courses have saved me so much money which has been useful in helping my subject budget to go so much further.’

Deborah Weston

Research Officer, NATRE

Deborah is an experienced teacher and trainer who worked in a large inner-city comprehensive school as Director of Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural Development. Deborah advises four local authorities regularly; supporting classroom practitioners as well as middle and senior leaders. She is the research officer of NATRE, a trustee for Culham St Gabriel’s Trust, Company Secretary of the RE Council, and the Chair of the RE Policy Unit for NATRE, the REC, and RE Today. She was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list of 2016.

‘I love RE because I know that by helping children and young people to understand people with different worldviews, we are giving them the knowledge, understanding, and skills that will allow them to flourish in their personal, working, and social lives.’

‘NATRE has been my companion throughout my career; providing support, challenge, and friendship within the world of education and beyond. I’d never be without it.’

Rachel Buckby

Primary Vice Chair and Social Media Officer, NATRE, RE Subject Leader, St Johns CE Primary School

Rachel is the RE Subject Leader at St Johns CE Primary School in Leicester. She is a specialist in early years and Key Stage 1, however she is currently teaching in Year 6. She is part of a working party on her SACRE writing RE Agreed syllabus and has worked with RE Today developing their ideas for the Talking Pictures publication. Rachel has led seminars at the conferences locally and nationally. She has an interest in RE that encourages creativity. She is an RE lead teacher for the Leicester Diocese. She has recently worked on a national research project creating resources on FORB (Freedom of Religion and Belief).

‘I love the enthusiasm that pupils in our school show for RE when talking to them – the fact that they would like RE lessons everyday . I love that RE is about learning about people and their beliefs and practices within a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the understanding of diversity and respect that this instills in pupils.’

‘I love NATRE for the support that it provides to me as a teacher of RE, the tireless campaigning to enable every pupil in the country to have access to high quality RE. I love that sense of community on social media through RE chat and the Facebook group and a highlight of every year is the Strictly RE conference. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to learn from so many colleagues through this conference, the RE Today magazine and the high quality resources produced, that I can share with other colleagues.’

Joanne Harris

Secondary Vice Chair and Social Media Officer, NATRE, Head of RE, Broughton High School

Joanne is Head of RE and an assistant headteacher at a secondary school in Lancashire with whole school responsibilities for curriculum and assessment and Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. Joanne is the Secondary Vice Chair of the NATRE Executive and delivered seminars on various aspects of teaching and leading RE at previous Strictly RE conferences.

‘RE is a wonderful subject to teach because it delves into the richness of human beliefs, values, and ways of living. It’s not just about doctrines and rituals; it’s about human beings – and I find human beings fascinating. Grappling with life’s big questions, understanding our differences and similarities, thinking about how we make ethical decisions with young people every day is still a joy, even after many years of teaching.’

‘Teaching RE is great, but not always easy. What I love about NATRE is all the many ways it supports teachers of RE so that they can enjoy their teaching and pass on this love of the subject to their pupils. This support comes in a multitude of ways: the termly resource books are a great way to update the curriculum and have fresh insight into a topic; the conferences, CPD, and networking opportunities are a brilliant way that NATRE supports teachers in feeling like they belong to a community, and the advocacy work that NATRE does to make sure that our voices are heard is so important. These are just some of the reasons that I love being part of NATRE.’

Katie Freeman

Chair, NATRE, RE Lead, Bickleigh Down CofE Primary School

Katie has been working with Learn, Teach, Lead RE (LTLRE) leading the Plymouth RE hub since area one was first set up and is an SLE with Plymouth Teaching School Alliance. She has worked in both community schools and church schools and is often asked to lead CPD both locally and nationally. Katie regularly speaks at conferences and has a passion for creative RE that helps pupils to dig deeper into concepts. She sits on her local SACRE and is part of the Church of England’s working party for RE.

‘I have a real passion for making RE creative and exciting. I love teaching RE because it gives children the opportunity to discuss, debate and form opinions but in a respectful way. There is huge potential for children to think critically, creatively and learn in new ways…how exciting our subject is!’

Angela Hill

Director, NATRE, National RE Adviser and Editor of REtoday Magazine

Angela joined RE Today in 2018 with over a decade’s experience of teaching and leading RE and a background in financial services. As well as serving in several middle leadership roles, including Head of RE and Head of Year 12, she was a Lead Practitioner for RE, supporting secondary schools across 5 local authorities. As Project Officer at Wales’ longest-established educational charity, the Council for Education in World Citizenship (CEWC), Angela undertook a major successful national project working with primary and secondary schools, and across a variety of subject areas, to enhance children and young people’s thinking skills and literacy through Philosophy for Children.

Sarah Dennis

Religion and Worldviews lead, Chadsmead Primary Academy

Sarah is a Teaching Assistant and very much a non-specialist. She teaches Nursery to Year 6 every week as part of her school’s PPA cycle. Sarah became Religion and Worldviews lead 5 years ago at her primary school in Lichfield.

Sarah started her role with a box of items, a locally agreed scheme, and very little knowledge or experience of RE: She has mentioned that she can’t remember ever being in an RE lesson at school. Over time in Sarah’s role, she has started and led a local group for NATRE. Attended the National Symposium for Religion and Worldviews and from that experience she has rewritten her whole primary curriculum. Sarah is the networking chair for Religion and Worldviews for her academy chain. She is also in her first year of the Culham St Gabriel leadership course.

‘I didn’t think RE had anything to do with me as a person as I am not religious. Religion and Worldviews are everything for everyone. All worldviews matter and being engaged with others’ views in our world and our place in it is so important.’

‘A long time ago I remember an exec member said “No one is alone as an RE teacher.” For me, NATRE is so much more than a website of excellent resources and CPD. It is a community of passionate advocates for our subject. That community has transformed my teaching and as a result the children’s love for our subject.’

Sally-Anne Brooman

RE and SIAMS Lead, St Peter and St Paul C.E. Primary, Scunthorpe

Sally has worked in education for over 20 years, working in church schools. She has spent the last 10 years as RE lead in her current school. During that time Sally has been a leading teacher for R.E. and, working alongside our peer leader schools, has supported colleagues in other schools and led CPD at our local SACRE conference. She is currently also working as an associate adviser for R.E. with the Diocese of Lincoln. Sally has recently been a part of an assessment pilot with teachers around the diocese and is currently working in a team, under the fabulous Gillian Georgiou, on the REC worldviews project. Sally has also been able to complete a Farmington Scholarship, an opportunity which she highly recommends.

‘I love the academic nature, diversity, and depth of R.E. Encouraging children to explore and make links with their own and others’ understanding of the world is a wonderful thing. I love seeing children form and express their own opinions and ideas whilst taking into account the views of others. There is such potential for learning and exploring in so many different ways.‘

‘NATRE does so much to support a community of passionate and enthusiastic R.E. leaders. They are at the forefront of promoting R.E. in schools and leaders for change within our subject. The resources, course, and termly magazines inspire and reignite passion for R.E. and they promote amazing co-operation within the R.E. community.’

Nicola Bonell

Primary School Teacher, St Mary's C of E Primary School

Nicola is a Primary School teacher in Cornwall, where I have been teaching for nearly 30 years. She has been a LTLRE Primary hub leader since 2012 which has involved holding local hub meetings, leading CPD, and helping local teachers with the teaching and learning of RE in their settings. More recently, Nicola has been seconded to work as a School-Based Lead for Truro Diocese (one day a week) which has involved delivering training and supporting Church schools with RE, Collective Worship, and preparation for SIAMs inspections.

Liz Manning

Year One Teacher and Faith, RE and Community Lead, St Michael's CE Primary

Liz has been a teacher for 14 years with most of her experience teaching in Year 1, although she has also taught in other year groups including EYFS, Year 3/4, and Year 5. She is also a busy Mum of two children aged 11 and 13.
The school Liz works at is Church of England with very few Christian children attending making its context both diverse and unique. The school’s diverse and unique context has brought many rewards as she has led RE over the years.

Liz has recently worked on introducing the new Manchester Diocesan Syllabus and Understanding Christianity units and this is now being taught throughout the school and is supporting the whole school RE progression.
As well as Liz’s school RE responsibilities, she is also a SACRE member and a Leading Teacher for RE in Bolton.

‘I love RE because it is a place within the busy timetable and life of school where children get to explore what really matters to them and what matters to those they will meet throughout their lives in school and beyond. It builds children’s holistic development; their understanding of themselves and others, their spiritual development, and their ability to think beyond what they know. It is a safe place where children can share, debate, question and disagree well preparing them perfectly for life beyond the classroom.’

‘NATRE is excellent support for all those leading and teaching RE. It builds a community of people and banks of resources ensuring anyone leading and/or teaching RE is supported in ensuring RE is meaningful and effective.’

Katie Neill Williams

Assistant Principal and RE Network coordinator, Old Ford Primary Academy

Katie is currently Assistant Principal at a large primary school in East London where she leads KS1 and phonics. Katie has been the RE lead at her current school for 8 years and has taught RE from EYFS to Year 6. She is also the RE Network Coordinator for her Academy Trust which is made up of six primary schools and one secondary school across Tower Hamlets and Suffolk. Her role as coordinator involves creating schemes of work for RE for EYFS, KS1 and KS2, delivering RE training to ECTs and trainee teachers and developing RE subject knowledge for staff across the Trust.

‘I love teaching RE, it challenges pupils with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose, and truth. It enables them to develop their spirituality and reflect on their own values and religious issues around the world from a philosophical and spiritual perspective.’

‘NATRE is an excellent network of support and knowledge for teachers at all stages of their careers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a trainee teacher or an experienced RE lead, there’s always so much help and guidance available to you.’

Debbie Gresswell

EYFS and KS1 class teacher, Stanley St. Andrew's C of E Primary school

Debbie is her 6th year of teaching Reception/Year one and has been the RE lead at her school for 5 years. She is enthused by RE and strongly believes that children need a secure understanding to become well-rounded citizens of the world. Debbie believes that RE as a subject allows us to develop a child holistically. She has been involved in the Church School celebration event leading a workshop to share with colleagues across the county. As well as, working closely with the Diocese hosting RE network events, and sharing experiences and successes with others.

Debbie is eager to pass on my skills, attributes, and experience to be part of developing resources for our children and colleagues to use to reinforce and extend their understanding further.

‘I love the fact that children don’t need a pencil and paper in RE.’

Catriona Card

Teacher, Berkeley Primary School

Catriona teaches a Reception class at a large community primary school in Scunthorpe where she is RE Subject Leader. She has been a member of her local SACRE for over 10 years and a is a NATRE local group leader. Catriona is a tutor on the Teach RE Course. Catriona has presented on Early Years RE at National and local RE conferences. She is a member of the NATRE steering group.

In her spare time Catriona runs a Girls’ Brigade company and is a Run Leader at her local Running Club.

‘I love the fact that RE helps people to make sense of the world, what is important to people, the impact of beliefs and practices on people’s lives, why people act as they do, and supports understanding of other viewpoints. It provides opportunities for visits (to places of worship and other places important to people because of their beliefs) to explore stories that hold meaning for people. I also think it is a subject that lends itself to creative approaches.’

‘NATRE provides me with quality resources and to a network of fellow professionals. It enables me to share my knowledge and understanding with others. NATRE also actively campaigns for high-quality RE and for access to resources and training for all which is important to me.’

Saima Saleh

Local Groups Officer,, NATRE . Teacher, Religion and Worldviews Lead, Ravenscote Junior School

Saima has over 29 years of teaching experience and is currently head of Religion and Worldviews- a role which she has had for over 15 years. She is an SLE for the Engage, Enrich, Excel Academy Trust and serves on the Surrey SACRE, where she has helped to write new units for the locally agreed syllabus. Saima is a member of the NATRE Executive steering group and is the Local Groups and Networks lead. She co-runs a Race and Education film club and is often invited to speak at conferences, locally, nationally, and globally, about her anti-racist work.

‘I absolutely love teaching the subject of Religion and Worldviews as it’s an ideal way of exploring how many people of religious and non-religious worldviews lead their lives and learning about what is important to them. Pupils get to do this through a wide range of lenses and I get to be at the forefront of that process. What an incredible experience! It’s the reason why myself and my pupils cannot wait for our RE lesson each week!’

‘By far, the best membership for a teacher of RE to have is one to NATRE! The reason why I love my membership so much is that it’s an excellent source of subject leadership support, up-to-date information about current RE-related news items and it offers a wide range of classroom resources. It is worth every penny; I’ve learned so much over the years from the excellent value cpd courses. The membership discounts on resources and courses have saved me so much money which has been useful in helping my subject budget to go so much further.’

Rachel Buckby

Primary Vice Chair and Social Media Officer, NATRE, RE Subject Leader, St Johns CE Primary School

Rachel is the RE Subject Leader at St Johns CE Primary School in Leicester. She is a specialist in early years and Key Stage 1, however she is currently teaching in Year 6. She is part of a working party on her SACRE writing RE Agreed syllabus and has worked with RE Today developing their ideas for the Talking Pictures publication. Rachel has led seminars at the conferences locally and nationally. She has an interest in RE that encourages creativity. She is an RE lead teacher for the Leicester Diocese. She has recently worked on a national research project creating resources on FORB (Freedom of Religion and Belief).

‘I love the enthusiasm that pupils in our school show for RE when talking to them – the fact that they would like RE lessons everyday . I love that RE is about learning about people and their beliefs and practices within a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the understanding of diversity and respect that this instills in pupils.’

‘I love NATRE for the support that it provides to me as a teacher of RE, the tireless campaigning to enable every pupil in the country to have access to high quality RE. I love that sense of community on social media through RE chat and the Facebook group and a highlight of every year is the Strictly RE conference. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to learn from so many colleagues through this conference, the RE Today magazine and the high quality resources produced, that I can share with other colleagues.’

Katie Freeman

Chair, NATRE, RE Lead, Bickleigh Down CofE Primary School

Katie has been working with Learn, Teach, Lead RE (LTLRE) leading the Plymouth RE hub since area one was first set up and is an SLE with Plymouth Teaching School Alliance. She has worked in both community schools and church schools and is often asked to lead CPD both locally and nationally. Katie regularly speaks at conferences and has a passion for creative RE that helps pupils to dig deeper into concepts. She sits on her local SACRE and is part of the Church of England’s working party for RE.

‘I have a real passion for making RE creative and exciting. I love teaching RE because it gives children the opportunity to discuss, debate and form opinions but in a respectful way. There is huge potential for children to think critically, creatively and learn in new ways…how exciting our subject is!’

Waqar Ahmad Ahmedi

Head of RS, Prior's Field School

Previously a journalist, Waqar has been teaching RE for 15 years, and been Head of Department for 11 years. He is the author of several textbooks and revision guides for GCSE and A-level RS, and has run CPD and student events across the country. Every year Waqar travels to Pakistan to train secondary teachers in Rabwah, his mother’s birthplace. He has produced resources on Islam for Kerboodle and written podcast scripts for Audiopi. Additionally, he sits on Birmingham SACRE and ASC representing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, where he serves as a coordinator of various educational projects.

You can follow him on Twitter: @WaqarAhmedi

‘I cannot think of a more rewarding vocation than teaching RE. We enjoy a position of great privilege and influence, facilitating young people’s exploration of a multiplicity of beliefs and issues that inspires them to think both respectfully and critically, and to make a positive difference in society.’

‘NATRE makes the above values and vision a reality and I’m really honoured to be elected once again to serve the best community of professionals in the world!’

Shabnam Khaliq

Head of RS, BlueCoat Oldham

Shabnam has been teaching secondary RS since 2012 and has had extensive experience leading RS departments within Church schools. As someone passionate about CPD, she led the Bradford and Leeds Secondary RE hub coordinating both face-to-face meetings and virtual conferences. Shabnam’s current role includes leading the Oldham and Tameside RS secondary network.

You can follow her on Twitter: @Shabnam_RE

‘One of my favourite quotes about RE was said by a student in Y10, I recall him saying, ‘RE seems to have all the answers and all the questions’. I love it! I think this student captured what RE is, indeed, a subject that uncovers a world of deep thinking and critical analysis that enables students to ask questions whilst providing knowledge-rich answers. RE for me is a gateway into a world that most people do not explore, it is a world underpinned by authentic narratives, rich and diverse stories, and a world that is formed around others. When taught well, RE is the glue of humanity.’

‘NATRE keeps RE relevant and ensures that the community is always in conversation.’

Nikki McGee

Nikki McGee Subject Specialist Lead for RE, Inspiration Trust and Hethersett Academy

Nikki has recently moved to Norfolk to take on the role of the Subject Specialist Lead for RE at Inspiration Trust alongside teaching 3 days a week. Her role includes supporting Primary and Secondary RE teachers, curriculum design, and working with trainee primary teachers. She has been teaching RE for almost 20 years at both community and church schools. She can mostly be found on Twitter but has also recently found the courage to start a blog and to speak at both local and national events. She is also a mum to two children and an avid bookworm.

You can follow her on Twitter: @RE_McGEE

‘I have always loved teaching RE but right now it feels like we are at a moment of huge change both in terms of society’s attitudes towards religion but also ideas about education and the purpose of RE – that is hugely exciting.’

Molly Acharya

Head of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics, Altrincham College

Molly has been teaching Religious Studies for over 25 years. During that time she has worked in a range of schools, including comprehensive, private, grammar, and a sixth-form college. Molly has been involved with writing Local Agreed Syllabi, and has often been asked to lead CPD for other RE teachers locally and at a national level too. She is a regular contributor to the RE Podcast and also presents at conferences about the teaching of various aspects of Hindu Dharma. Molly is also a coordinator for TM RS Icons and organised CPD events for other RE colleagues locally. She aims to represent the diversity of all religions and to give authentic voices to believers.

You can follow her on Twitter: @acharya_molly

‘I love how RE allows our students to be challenged in their thinking. How it helps them to analyse and critique the range of beliefs they are presented with and develop new ways of thinking about different issues. I love how RE helps students to develop their own self-awareness and understanding of a range of issues. It’s particularly fantastic to see so many of our students thrive through the multi-disciplinary approach that is unique to this fantastic subject. RE is the only subject that prepares students to think critically, behave with compassion, and speak respectfully – all of these are essential for them to thrive in the complex world we live in.’

‘NATRE is an amazing subject association. It provides invaluable support for all RE teachers, regardless of how long they have been teaching. The resources produced are of a high quality and can be readily deployed in any RE teacher toolkit.’

Matthew Pitcher

Head of Religious Studies, Upper Shirley High School, Southampton

Matt has been teaching RE since 1997 and has been a Head of Department at three large secondary schools in Hampshire over the past 20 years. He has been part of the Hampshire Steering Group for almost as long and has led CPD sessions at conferences and works alongside other schools to develop their RE at KS3 and KS4. Matt has a keen interest in the role of RE in Holocaust Education and also the role that RE has in environmental and climate change education. Matt has also worked alongside one of the major exam boards as a presenter and examiner.

You can follow him on Twitter: @re_runner

‘The great thing I love about teaching RE is that every day is a learning day. RE is about the experiences of ordinary people being able to do extraordinary things and I love the storytelling aspect of the subject that lets us understand and enquire about how and why people do the things they do. This critical look at the world around us will help the children and young people we teach to flourish and thrive.’

‘NATRE is all about the teacher and the learners in the classroom and helping us be the best we can be. They provide great advice and resources that we can use to develop our teaching practice and also improve the learning opportunities of all.’

Louisa Jane Smith

Teacher of RE, Head of Life Skills, Reigate School

Originally from Brighton and now in West Sussex, Louisa ‘accidentally’ did a Theology degree at Birmingham University University in the late 90s and then ‘accidentally’ became a secondary RE teacher in 2001. 22 years later she is so glad for such a happy accident. In October 2020 Louisa started The RE Podcast, where she writes, hosts, produces, edits, and releases weekly podcasts, and she states is one of her great joys. Louisa feels very privileged that it serves the community I love.

You can follow her on Twitter: @therepodcast1
Insta & TheREPodcast Threads: TheREPodcast LinkedIn: Louisa Smith

‘Those who know how to think need no teachers’ Gandhi

‘A vibrant, dynamic community, passionate about making RE the best it can be.’

Joe Kinnaird

Head of KS3 RE and CPD Lead, Coopers Company and Coborn School

Joe has been teaching RE for 9 years. He is often asked to lead CPD locally and nationally. He regularly speaks at conferences and has a passion for high-quality RE that enables pupils to have a richer understanding of religion. Joe works with ITT providers to lead sessions for RE trainees on areas of teaching such as writing use of scholarship in the classroom.

You can follow him on Twitter: @josephkinnaird

‘RE is such an important subject because it enables young people to have a deeper understanding of the world around them. The subject allows students to be aware of the religious and non-religious traditions that have shaped this country, the world, and the human experience. By teaching RE, we help young people gain a greater awareness of what it means to be human.’

‘NATRE helps to promote the importance of RE and supports RE teachers with high-quality CPD to make our subject the best it can be.’

Gregg Parekh

Assistant Headteacher, Penryn College

“I am an RE Geek! I love our subject and particularly teaching and learning!” Greg has been teaching for 15 years and has previously been a Head of RE, Head of Year, part of the teaching and learning team and currently an Assistant Head in a school in beautiful Cornwall! Gregg is also a consultant to Cornwall SACRE and leads a LTLRE Hub. He enjoys learning new ideas in the teaching and RE world to share with others and using this to develop his own and others’ practice. Greg loves sharing resources and looking for ways to make RE even more engaging to students!

You can follow him on Twitter on @Greg_Parekh

‘What is there not to love! learning about people, differences, beliefs, cultures, places, and more! Surely there isn’t anything more interesting!’

‘The support available for RE is second to none!’

Chris Giles

Subject Leader for Religious Studies, South Bromsgrove High School

Chris has led a highly successful RE Department since 2001, attracting large numbers of students at GCSE and A Level. Chris leads teaching and learning as part of the SLT at South Bromsgrove and is also a professional coach supporting teachers.

Chris is West Midlands RE Hubs leader and has been an active member of Worcestershire SACRE for nearly 30 years. He visits schools and SACREs in the West Midlands area promoting RE and providing support and training; he is passionate about curriculum reform and creative ways of increasing the time given to RE.

You can follow him on X and BlueSky

What do you love about RE?

RE challenges and changes us as human beings. It provides a unique way of enabling students to think critically about themselves and the world.

What do you love about NATRE?

RE teachers need to know they are not alone and that there are so many networks and avenues of support available.

Kelly Keatley

Head of RE, St Peter’s C of E Aided School

Kelly is a well-established Head of RE, currently working at St Peter’s C of E Aided School in Exeter. She has recently completed a Farmington Fellowship on improving evaluation responses at GCSE and has also taken on the leadership of the Exeter Learn, Teach, Lead RE (LTLRE) Hub this year. Kelly has long-standing links with the Exeter University PGCE course and has led sessions for the RE PGCE students for several years. Kelly’s favourite part of RE is the space that it gives students for reflection and to be able to tackle important ethical questions.

‘It is the most amazing privilege to teach a subject that allows students to develop an understanding of different religious and non-religious worldviews and also to have a safe space to discuss and debate important philosophical and ethical issues. RE is such an important subject and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a talented team of people at NATRE in shaping future developments.’

Charlotte Newman

Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics & Diversity Champion, Hinchingbrooke School

Charlotte Newman is a Head of Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics and Diversity Champion at a secondary school in Cambridgeshire. I am lucky enough to have led a large team of specialist teachers here for 7 years now. I am passionate about raising the profile of our subject to ensure it is recognised as academic, rigorous, and valuable by all stakeholders. I have been a member of the Exec for the last term and have thoroughly enjoyed speaking at Strictly, writing for RE Today, attending the Labour Party Conference to lobby MPs, and supporting others in providing great quality teaching. I have delivered much CPD on RE TMRSIcons, at my Local Agreed Syllabus launch, at my local group, and for Eduqas.

‘It is important to me to teach students about the worldviews of others so that they can begin to recognise and challenge their own as well as contribute to and embrace our diverse, multicultural society.’

‘The fact that we are an Association of Teachers for Teachers is so important as it means we truly understand and respond to the needs of those on the ground. There is a wealth of experience on this team and nothing is too much trouble for anyone as everyone is wholeheartedly committed to flying the flag for RE teachers.’

Rachael Jackson-Royal

Exams and Higher Education Officer, King Edward VI High School for Girls

Rachael is a HoD of RE and a local group leader. She undertook her BA in Religious Studies at Kings College, University of London, and a Masters in Religious Studies at SOAS, University of London. In 2012 she completed a doctorate looking at teaching Religious Studies through thinking skills grounded in social constructivist theories of learning. She has been part of the REC qualifications committee, liaises with exam boards (serving on teacher’s consultation groups) and Ofqual over the GCSE and A level in RE, has written textbooks, writes a research update for each issue of Professional Reflection of RE today magazine, works with numerous academics and attends AULRE and TRSUK meetings. She is particularly interested in helping teachers to engage more with research and looking at how theories of learning could be embedded in RE lessons.

‘I have a real passion for showing how research, both in RE and in theories of learning, can be used to enrich the teaching of this subject. I think this can not only help teachers flourish but also can show how the subject is dynamic, relevant, and fascinating for children to learn about.’

Joanne Harris

Secondary Vice Chair and Social Media Officer, NATRE, Head of RE, Broughton High School

Joanne is Head of RE and an assistant headteacher at a secondary school in Lancashire with whole school responsibilities for curriculum and assessment and Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. Joanne is the Secondary Vice Chair of the NATRE Executive and delivered seminars on various aspects of teaching and leading RE at previous Strictly RE conferences.

‘RE is a wonderful subject to teach because it delves into the richness of human beliefs, values, and ways of living. It’s not just about doctrines and rituals; it’s about human beings – and I find human beings fascinating. Grappling with life’s big questions, understanding our differences and similarities, thinking about how we make ethical decisions with young people every day is still a joy, even after many years of teaching.’

‘Teaching RE is great, but not always easy. What I love about NATRE is all the many ways it supports teachers of RE so that they can enjoy their teaching and pass on this love of the subject to their pupils. This support comes in a multitude of ways: the termly resource books are a great way to update the curriculum and have fresh insight into a topic; the conferences, CPD, and networking opportunities are a brilliant way that NATRE supports teachers in feeling like they belong to a community, and the advocacy work that NATRE does to make sure that our voices are heard is so important. These are just some of the reasons that I love being part of NATRE.’

Suky Kaur

Teacher of Religious Studies, Haberdashers’ Adams

Sukhbir began her journey studying Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and pursued a PGCE in Religious Education at Edgehill University. She has been fortunate to have taught for nearly twelve years in three distinct settings; an all-girls school, a state school, and finally in a grammar school with state boarding. All three settings have pushed her to experiment with my teaching style; her passion comes through in the classroom where she combines her love for Philosophy and RS in creative ways.

The teachings and traditions of the Dharmic faiths, in particular Sikhi, have been Sukbir’s focus. She has written several articles on Sikhi for RE Today and has recently shared her life experiences via the ECT New2Teaching webinar.

‘Our subject is at the heart of what it means to be human; we give our students the chance to question, criticise and create informed judgments. We allow our students to explore the spiritual dimensions they may have taken for granted. We teach them creative ways they can find answers for themselves. Our subject is alive and thriving and part of our DNA.’

‘NATRE allows me to feel like I am part of something bigger; it is so important we are given a chance to see what obstacles we face as a community and make sure our voices are heard when and where they need to be.’

Karen Steele

Subject Leader for Religious Studies, Stratford Girl's Grammar School

Karen has been a secondary subject Leader for RE since 2000. In that time she has been a member of Warwickshire SACRE, completed an MA in RE, worked as a local RE adviser, mentored trainee RE teachers, and more. Recently, Karen completed the Culham St Gabriel’s RE Leadership Programme, which she has said was a rewarding experience that she would thoroughly recommend to others. Karen has a particular interest in post-16 RE.

You can follow him on Twitter on @SteeleHeidi

‘What I love about RE is the richness and diversity it offers us to engage, challenge, and nurture young minds.’

‘NATRE is a beacon to RE teachers across the country, providing support, friendship and vision.’

Jenni Rawlinson

Faculty Lead for RE and Communication Lead Wolsingham School

Jenni has worked as an RE teacher at Wolsingham School for 6 years and was made Head of RE in 2019. Before this, she embarked on the New2RE programme between 2017-2019, where Jenni had the privilege of networking with other new RE teachers from across the country. She has continued to attend and enjoy various NATRE CPD sessions, including the Curriculum Symposium, and Jenni currently runs the NATRE Affiliated Local Group for County Durham. At the end of this academic year, Jenni is taking 20 students on an RE and Personal Development trip to Nepal.

‘I love teaching RE because no two lessons are ever the same! I am passionate about creating lessons that lead to exciting discussion, develop curiosity and engage the students. Deep thinking, new ideas and respect are key ingredients in our fantastic subject.’

‘Being a member of NATRE and attending CPD sessions allows my curriculum to remain engaging and current. It offers opportunities for me to share ideas and learn from the RE community. It’s brilliant!’

Ian Coles

RE co-ordinator, Carr Hill Primary School

Ian has been teaching in North Nottinghamshire for 13 years and has been co-ordinating RE since (almost) the beginning. He has taught across Key Stage 2 but has also delivered RE lessons in Key Stage One and EYFS. Outside of the school environment, he keeps himself busy by reading, watching sport and ferrying his two kids around.

Ian’s school context is a large, quite monocultural, local authority primary school. This context has challenged Ian to find ways to promote diversity through the RE curriculum, exposing children to ideas and people that they might never have come across otherwise.

He has just finished an MA in Religious Education at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham and has written for RE Today and RE:Online. Ian is also a member of the Nottinghamshire SACRE.

RE, when done well, can be transformative. It allows children to shape their understanding of the world and their place in it, by interacting with ideas, morals, values and people that without RE they wouldn’t have the opportunity to.

I love the fact that an organisation exists to fight for RE on the big stages, and to support teachers in their classrooms. The community that it has nurtured, and the resources that it has created, are hugely beneficial to RE teachers across the phases.

Helen Sheehan

Senior Lecturer, Initial Teacher Education Sheffield Hallam University

Helen has worked in the RE community for over 25 years. She started her career as a secondary RE teacher in schools in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire before moving to work in higher education. For over 15 years Helen has worked at Sheffield Hallam University leading the secondary RE PGCE course and, in recent years, also leading on the primary RE provision for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Helen has contributed to other ITE programmes over the years including the Teach First secondary RE programme with which she is currently involved. Helen has published an edited volume about mentoring beginning RE teachers and is currently vice-chair of Sheffield SACRE.

You can follow her on Twitter: @lincshelen

‘I love the endless possibilities that come with being an RE teacher. There is always something new to learn, always a new way to look at something and always something new to try. I think we add something to the curriculum that our pupils don’t necessarily encounter elsewhere and we provide them with knowledge and an understanding of the world that will help prepare them for the challenges of adult life.’

‘I have been a member of NATRE since I joined during my PGCE year in 1997! I am a passionate advocate for the association, urging all the secondary ITE students I work with to join, making sure primary ITE students know of the support that it can offer to an RE coordinator and recommending resources to colleagues in schools. I love the sense of community that comes through engaging with NATRE and believe RE teachers and coordinators, who so often work in isolated contexts, need the support it provides.’

Rachael Jackson-Royal

Exams and Higher Education Officer, King Edward VI High School for Girls

Rachael is a HoD of RE and a local group leader. She undertook her BA in Religious Studies at Kings College, University of London, and a Masters in Religious Studies at SOAS, University of London. In 2012 she completed a doctorate looking at teaching Religious Studies through thinking skills grounded in social constructivist theories of learning. She has been part of the REC qualifications committee, liaises with exam boards (serving on teacher’s consultation groups) and Ofqual over the GCSE and A level in RE, has written textbooks, writes a research update for each issue of Professional Reflection of RE today magazine, works with numerous academics and attends AULRE and TRSUK meetings. She is particularly interested in helping teachers to engage more with research and looking at how theories of learning could be embedded in RE lessons.

‘I have a real passion for showing how research, both in RE and in theories of learning, can be used to enrich the teaching of this subject. I think this can not only help teachers flourish but also can show how the subject is dynamic, relevant, and fascinating for children to learn about.’

Catriona Card

Teacher, Berkeley Primary School

Catriona teaches a Reception class at a large community primary school in Scunthorpe where she is RE Subject Leader. She has been a member of her local SACRE for over 10 years and a is a NATRE local group leader. Catriona is a tutor on the Teach RE Course. Catriona has presented on Early Years RE at National and local RE conferences. She is a member of the NATRE steering group.

In her spare time Catriona runs a Girls’ Brigade company and is a Run Leader at her local Running Club.

‘I love the fact that RE helps people to make sense of the world, what is important to people, the impact of beliefs and practices on people’s lives, why people act as they do, and supports understanding of other viewpoints. It provides opportunities for visits (to places of worship and other places important to people because of their beliefs) to explore stories that hold meaning for people. I also think it is a subject that lends itself to creative approaches.’

‘NATRE provides me with quality resources and to a network of fellow professionals. It enables me to share my knowledge and understanding with others. NATRE also actively campaigns for high-quality RE and for access to resources and training for all which is important to me.’

Rachel Buckby

Primary Vice Chair and Social Media Officer, NATRE, RE Subject Leader, St Johns CE Primary School

Rachel is the RE Subject Leader at St Johns CE Primary School in Leicester. She is a specialist in early years and Key Stage 1, however she is currently teaching in Year 6. She is part of a working party on her SACRE writing RE Agreed syllabus and has worked with RE Today developing their ideas for the Talking Pictures publication. Rachel has led seminars at the conferences locally and nationally. She has an interest in RE that encourages creativity. She is an RE lead teacher for the Leicester Diocese. She has recently worked on a national research project creating resources on FORB (Freedom of Religion and Belief).

‘I love the enthusiasm that pupils in our school show for RE when talking to them – the fact that they would like RE lessons everyday . I love that RE is about learning about people and their beliefs and practices within a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the understanding of diversity and respect that this instills in pupils.’

‘I love NATRE for the support that it provides to me as a teacher of RE, the tireless campaigning to enable every pupil in the country to have access to high quality RE. I love that sense of community on social media through RE chat and the Facebook group and a highlight of every year is the Strictly RE conference. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to learn from so many colleagues through this conference, the RE Today magazine and the high quality resources produced, that I can share with other colleagues.’

Joanne Harris

Secondary Vice Chair and Social Media Officer, NATRE, Head of RE, Broughton High School

Joanne is Head of RE and an assistant headteacher at a secondary school in Lancashire with whole school responsibilities for curriculum and assessment and Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. Joanne is the Secondary Vice Chair of the NATRE Executive and delivered seminars on various aspects of teaching and leading RE at previous Strictly RE conferences.

‘RE is a wonderful subject to teach because it delves into the richness of human beliefs, values, and ways of living. It’s not just about doctrines and rituals; it’s about human beings – and I find human beings fascinating. Grappling with life’s big questions, understanding our differences and similarities, thinking about how we make ethical decisions with young people every day is still a joy, even after many years of teaching.’

‘Teaching RE is great, but not always easy. What I love about NATRE is all the many ways it supports teachers of RE so that they can enjoy their teaching and pass on this love of the subject to their pupils. This support comes in a multitude of ways: the termly resource books are a great way to update the curriculum and have fresh insight into a topic; the conferences, CPD, and networking opportunities are a brilliant way that NATRE supports teachers in feeling like they belong to a community, and the advocacy work that NATRE does to make sure that our voices are heard is so important. These are just some of the reasons that I love being part of NATRE.’

Katie Freeman

Chair, NATRE, RE Lead, Bickleigh Down CofE Primary School

Katie has been working with Learn, Teach, Lead RE (LTLRE) leading the Plymouth RE hub since area one was first set up and is an SLE with Plymouth Teaching School Alliance. She has worked in both community schools and church schools and is often asked to lead CPD both locally and nationally. Katie regularly speaks at conferences and has a passion for creative RE that helps pupils to dig deeper into concepts. She sits on her local SACRE and is part of the Church of England’s working party for RE.

‘I have a real passion for making RE creative and exciting. I love teaching RE because it gives children the opportunity to discuss, debate and form opinions but in a respectful way. There is huge potential for children to think critically, creatively and learn in new ways…how exciting our subject is!’

Deborah Weston

Research Officer, NATRE

Deborah is an experienced teacher and trainer who worked in a large inner-city comprehensive school as Director of Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural Development. Deborah advises four local authorities regularly; supporting classroom practitioners as well as middle and senior leaders. She is the research officer of NATRE, a trustee for Culham St Gabriel’s Trust, Company Secretary of the RE Council, and the Chair of the RE Policy Unit for NATRE, the REC, and RE Today. She was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list of 2016.

‘I love RE because I know that by helping children and young people to understand people with different worldviews, we are giving them the knowledge, understanding, and skills that will allow them to flourish in their personal, working, and social lives.’

‘NATRE has been my companion throughout my career; providing support, challenge, and friendship within the world of education and beyond. I’d never be without it.’

Angela Hill

Director, NATRE, National RE Adviser and Editor of REtoday Magazine

Angela joined RE Today in 2018 with over a decade’s experience of teaching and leading RE and a background in financial services. As well as serving in several middle leadership roles, including Head of RE and Head of Year 12, she was a Lead Practitioner for RE, supporting secondary schools across 5 local authorities. As Project Officer at Wales’ longest-established educational charity, the Council for Education in World Citizenship (CEWC), Angela undertook a major successful national project working with primary and secondary schools, and across a variety of subject areas, to enhance children and young people’s thinking skills and literacy through Philosophy for Children.

Linda Whitworth

Consultant – Initial Teacher Education, Professional REflection

Linda began her career in RE as a secondary teacher, then moved to the middle school age group, before becoming an initial teacher educator for primary and secondary routes at Middlesex University. She has been involved in undergraduate and postgraduate routes, School Direct, and SCITT teaching, in particular developing Primary Religious and Worldviews both as a single subject and through interdisciplinary humanities learning. After 25 years at Middlesex she is now semi-retired, but still works with NASBTT, Middlesex University, and RE organisations to support primary RE. She is currently co-editor of the Professional Reflection section in RE Today and a founder member of Humanities 2020. She has co-authored chapters in the upcoming publication Elton-Chalcraft (2024) Teaching Religious Education Creatively (2nd edition)

Zoë Keens

CEO, RE Today Services/Christian Education/

RE Today sponsors NATRE, and provides management support services. Zoë has been the CEO since early 2013, leading the charity though lots of changes. She is dedicated to supporting and campaigning for high-quality RE throughout the UK… and beyond!

Kathryn Wright

CEO, Culham St Gabriel’s Trust

Kathryn is the Chief Executive of Culham St Gabriel’s Trust which supports and advocates for an education in Religion and Worldviews. After teaching in East London secondary schools, she became a local authority RE adviser before going freelance in 2005. Until April 2019, she worked as a consultant for Culham St Gabriel’s leading the Teach:RE course programme and was also the RE adviser for the Diocese of Norwich. She has enjoyed being a RE Quality Mark assessor and a Section 48 inspector. She is currently on the Board of the RE Council of England and Wales.