VOTING IS NOW OPEN
Who do you want to see on the NATRE executive committee?
The nominations are in and voting is now open for all NATRE members to choose who they would like to see representing them on the NATRE executive committee between 2027-30.
All current NATRE members, regardless of phase, are entitled to vote in this election.
The election will run from 19 August 2026 to noon on the 16 September 2027.
Any votes received after 12.00pm on this day will not be counted.
Important election information – please read.
- There are 10 Executive spaces available for Primary representatives, and 10 spaces available for Secondary representatives.
- The Returning Officer for this election is Lorraine Williams, Executive Assistant.
- We are using a preferential voting system – you will be asked to rank the candidates in order of preference from lowest to highest 1 being the HIGHEST.
- You do not have to give a preference for every candidate if you do not wish to.
- Please take the time to read the statements from each candidate before casting your vote, to give as fair consideration as possible.
- All current NATRE members can vote for candidates. Only one ballot may be completed per membership. If you have a school membership which covers your whole school/department you can only vote once. If more than one ballot is entered with the same membership number, only the first ballot entered will be counted. The other(s) will NOT be counted and will be discarded.
- This ballot requires you to provide your name, email address and NATRE membership number. This is to allow us to check that votes are from current NATRE members, and to reduce errors or invalid votes. Your votes will NOT be shared with anyone except the Returning Officer and the Administration team. The NATRE Executive and the candidates will NOT have access to your identity or information about how you have voted.
- When the votes are counted, we will use a transferable vote system to take into account second preference votes (where required) to determine the 10 candidates who are successfully elected.
- The results will be announced on the Executive page of the NATRE website, as well as through other channels.
To help you select the candidates that you would like to vote for, our nominees have provided a personal statement – see below:
PRIMARY CANDIDATES
| Name | Personal statement |
| Abigail Needs | I would like to apply for the role of committee member. I would bring lots to the role and have plenty of experience in leading RE at a local level. I am passionate about ensuring that children have a rich, diverse and challenging curriculum that allows them to draw on their critical thinking skills. I am head of RE at my primary school. Additionally, I am one of the Primary Leads for Somerset LTLRE. I am on my local SACRE and have helped to write the new Somerset Agreed Syllabus. I produced a unit to reflect local beliefs within West Somerset. I will be starting the Culham St Gabriel’s Leadership programme in September and this role will help me enhance my leadership skills but at a national level. I want to support NATRE’s work and members by helping to provide resources and pedagogy that continues to challenge and inspire. |
| Belinda Twiggs | As a Year 3 teacher specialising in Religions and Worldviews, I combine informed classroom practice with wider leadership. I am Federation Lead for RE, Chair of Devon SACRE and Lead for the Learn Teach Lead RE Hub in South Devon and Torbay, supporting curriculum development, subject leadership and professional learning. I have completed the Culham St Gabriel’s Leadership Programme, contributed to curriculum projects for The Sea of Faith: Big Ideas and Oak National Academy, presented at conferences and written for RE Today and RE. If elected to the NATRE Executive, I would bring a collaborative approach, a commitment to listening and a desire to represent the diverse voices of all in the world of RE. I am keen to support teachers, strengthen regional networks and help ensure high-quality Religions and Worldviews education for all young people. |
| Georgina Foxcroft | I wish to serve on the NATRE Executive Committee because I am committed to strengthening high‑quality RE nationally and supporting teachers to deliver ambitious, research‑informed Religion and Worldviews education. As a primary teacher, RE subject leader and RE specialist, I bring experience in curriculum design, disciplinary approaches and practitioner support. My BA and MA in Theology and Religious Studies and my Farmington Scholarship underpin my contribution to national conversations through published research and conference presentations. I lead a local RE hub and work closely with practitioners, giving me a strong understanding of the needs of RE leads, ECTs, headteachers and non‑specialist teachers. As the primary representative on the Lincolnshire SACRE, I help shape local provision. Working in a school also enables me to take part in research trials and pilot new initiatives. On the Executive, I would champion the subject and represent primary colleagues. |
| Hasya Qureshi | I wish to serve on the NATRE Executive Committee because I am passionate about ensuring all children have access to high-quality, inclusive Religious Education that develops religious literacy, critical thinking and human flourishing. As a former NATRE Executive Committee member, I understand the important role NATRE plays in supporting teachers and promoting excellence in RE. As an Assistant Headteacher, SENDCo and RE leader in a Church of England primary school, I bring experience in leadership, curriculum development, inclusion and professional development. Under my leadership, our school achieved the Gold RE Quality Mark and was recognised as Outstanding in its SIAMS inspection, reflecting the impact of an ambitious and inclusive RE curriculum. I would bring a practical school-based perspective, strong leadership and a commitment to collaboration to help NATRE support members and champion excellent RE for all |
| Ian Coles | As a Primary RE co-ordinator with 14 years of experience, I have always been committed to supporting high quality RE in the schools that I have worked in. More recently, I have loved supporting teachers further afield. Having gained an MA in Religious Education, I have been able to write for RE Today, Professional Reflection, and RE:Online, sharing research and ideas with the wider community. I have also had the opportunity to lead sessions at the local RE network, at Strictly RE and RExChange, which have been a wonderful way to connect with teachers on a more personal level Two years ago I was co-opted onto the NATRE executive and I learned just how much this fabulous organisation does to support RE learning across the country. Since joining I have been able to offer support in a wide variety of ways, and I would love the opportunity to continue this. |
| Laura Twamley | I would love the opportunity to serve on the NATRE Executive Committee at a time when RE finds itself in a particularly exciting position. With England’s revised National Curriculum on the horizon and increasing diversity of belief and non-belief across Britain, RE has a vital role in helping young people understand and navigate a complex society. I bring 11 years’ experience of teaching RE in a primary setting and leading Christian Distinctiveness, including responsibility for Collective Worship, SIAMS and SMSC. I am Vice-Chair of Torbay SACRE, a Farmington Scholar, and co-lead the Torbay and South Devon LTLRE Hub. I have also recently contributed to teacher engagement involving the draft RE Programmes of Study and National Curriculum review. I would support NATRE by networking and collaborating with colleagues, representing teachers’ voices, contributing to projects at both local and national levels, and helping to shape an ambitious future for RE. |
| Liz Manning | I am keen to continue serving on the NATRE Executive Committee because I believe Religious Education has a vital role in shaping informed, respectful and thoughtful young people. As national curriculum developments gather pace, I want to help ensure high-quality RE remains at the heart of education and that teachers are well supported to deliver it with confidence. As a full-time teacher and Faith, RE and Community Lead, I bring both current classroom experience and strategic leadership. Through my roles on the current Executive Committee, Steering Group and local SACRE, I have contributed to member engagement, strengthened partnerships with the Diocese and championed RE development across schools. As a Leading Teacher for RE and leader of local RE network meetings, I support colleagues, share effective practice and build strong professional relationships. I would continue to advocate for members, amplify their voices and help NATRE shape the future of RE nationally. |
| Matthew Lane | I seek nomination to the Executive Committee to support NATRE’s curriculum work. As an EYFS–KS2 teacher, local hub member, SACRE member, and education author, I understand exactly how to balance classroom realities with high-level policy. I bring a proven track record of curriculum innovation: I hold an REQM Gold Award, co-authored the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus, and served as a core curriculum writer for many projects including the REC Worldviews project, Big Ideas for RE, and Inspired Classrooms. Driven by collaboration, I co-founded the Reforming RE blog and regularly publish practical classroom practice in Teach Primary. On the Committee, I will support members by translating national policy into realistic, high-quality primary resources and expanding our grassroots hub networks. I offer the proven expertise required to elevate our subject on the national stage. |
| Nina Corke | I am passionate about high quality RE, not just in my own setting but across my region and beyond. I am RE subject lead in my primary school, where I have dedicated time to ensure staff are equipped to deliver great teaching of RE. Additionally, outside of my setting, I lead Oldham Primary Network and Tameside Primary Network, designing and delivering effective CPD for RE subject leads from across the borough. This has included sessions on RE and SEND, how to develop intent statements and inviting guests in to enhance subject knowledge. Furthermore, I am a serving member of Oldham SACRE and from September I will be RE Adviser to Tameside SACRE. Before becoming a teacher, I graduated with a Biblical Studies and Theology degree. It is safe to say, RE has always been a passion of mine. I am committed to ensuring RE gets the spotlight it deserves. |
| Sally Brooman | I am a passionate about R.E. and love my role as R.E. and Church School Distinctiveness Lead at my primary in Scunthorpe. I have been privileged to sit on the NATRE exec for the last 3 years and am now seeking re-election. In addition to my role in school, I am the Strategic Lead for the Development of the Locally Agreed Syllabus for North Lincolnshire SACRE. I also do some work as an associate R.E. adviser. I have presented at local conferences, spoken at Strictly R.E., led R.E. training days and run a NATRE affiliated local group. On the Culham St. Gabriel Leadership course, I have also published a blog on case studies in R.E. R.E. is in an exciting period of change and the work has never been more important. I would love the opportunity to continue to support and promote R.E. as a part of the NATRE exec. |
| Sarah Dennis | Often RE is taught by teachers who have another specialism. I was one of them. I remember the panic! Now I love my role teaching all of the RE across a primary school. I am networking lead for my MAT. I run a NATRE affiliated local group. Completing the Leadership Course with Culham Saint Gabriels has helped my confidence. I am currently a member of the NATRE Exec. During my time on the Exec, I have helped judge Spirited Arts, hosted REChats, written blogs and articles in REToday and Professional Reflections, spoken at Strictly RE and been part of the teacher reference group RE National Curriculum. 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 and I would like to continue to be part of the Exec supporting Primary teachers. |
SECONDARY CANDIDATES
| Name | Personal statement |
| Arabella Saunders | I wish to serve on the NATRE Executive because I am deeply committed to ensuring that Religious Education remains intellectually rigorous, relevant and transformative for young people. Since 2015, my online blog for the RE community has focused on helping teachers engage with high quality RE. I am an advocate of the worldviews approach, and my most recent contributions recognise the importance of personal knowledge and positionality for students. I would bring experience as an RE leader, alongside skills in professional development and curriculum design. I am passionate about bridging research and classroom practice, and supporting teachers to think critically and refine their teaching habits. I would support NATRE’s professional learning and community-building work by championing high-quality RE that helps learners understand themselves and others, while ensuring members feel represented, supported and inspired. I’d also support NATRE to increase membership in the independent sector. |
| Matt Pitcher | The world that we live in is fast changing, and so is the RE world. With the possibility over the next few years of a National Curriculum, GCSE exam reform and the development of great RE in our classrooms, it’s a really exciting time to be an RE teacher and I would like to help, contribute and lead on these exciting projects over the next few years. To have experienced three years already has been a real privilege, and I’d like to contribute another three years in helping get RE to where it should be – at the forefront of our pupils list of favourite subjects. I feel I have the experience to be able to give advice to those starting out in this great subject, but also to give support to those who are finding it tough. So often there is only one RE teacher within a school, so I’d like to be a port of call to help those small departments feel like they are part of something much bigger. |
| Alice Thomas | I am currently the Head of Religious Education and have a strong commitment to improving RE across Coventry and Warwickshire and beyond. As Head of Philosophy and Ethics at Bablake School, I have developed a strong reputation for high-quality teaching, curriculum leadership and academic rigour. I have delivered professional development for Coventry and Warwickshire SACRE, supporting teachers and leaders to strengthen RE practice, curriculum design and deep disciplinary thinking. I contributed to the development of the innovative Coventry and Warwickshire Religion and Worldviews Framework for the national REC writing team. As a Farmington Scholar, I played a key role in shaping approaches to assessment with bot primary and secondary colleagues to ensure progression across all phases. I have recently completed the Culham St Gabriel’s leadership progamme and I am now working with the Nottingham SACRE via the Collab Team. |
| Dominic Kidney | I have taught and led RS across KS3-5 for nearly 10 years, both in the independent sector, Church of England academies (both as a teacher and foundation governor), and more recently in a non-denominational Christian academy. This has given me extensive experience of RS curricula in Christian educational settings, as well as the Section 48 and SIAMS frameworks along with our own recent grade of ‘outstanding’. As Head of RS, I have led the transformation of our curriculum across Key Stages 3–5 creating a rigorous and knowledge-rich programme that has contributed to significant improvements in GCSE (full-cohort) and A Level outcomes. I am passionate about academically rigorous RS provision for all young people, with this driving my career and achievements to date. I would feel privileged to support and help drive forward our subject in what is an exciting time for RS. |
| Kari-Ann Webb | I wish to serve on the NATRE Executive Committee, I am committed to strengthening & promoting high-quality RE I am passionate in championing social cohesion through RE, challenging the misconceptions & stereotypes within worldviews & RE. I believe it is important as educators to reduce the divide, strengthen social cohesion & understanding of one other during a time where misconceptions & false information are easily accessible. I am an RE teacher (KS3/KS4), I understand the opportunities and challenges facing the subject & am passionate about supporting & strengthening its continued development through social cohesion giving pupils the understanding & information. I am completing a MA Education (RE) my area of study is challenge the misconceptions & stereotypes faced in KS3 education with support from Culham St Gabriel. I am a participant of the Rolf Schild Memorial Programme. These experiences strengthen my skills in critical reflection, research, communication & leadership |
| Lyndsey Leech | Having completed my first year on the Culham St Gabriel Scholarship I have been on a huge voyage of discovery, solidifying my view on what high quality RE looks like and finding my role in supporting this both inside and outside of my own school. I have been networking with so many people, agencies and groups that I can’t imagine going back to doing RE on my own in isolation. I would love to serve on the NATRE Exec team to share my learning and experience and support the many teachers across the country who need a steer in the right direction in order to access high quality resources, build community links and refine their curriculum. I am at a time in my career where I am looking at being a part of RE nationally and believe that being a part of the NATRE executive would allow me to share the amazing things I have discovered and put all of this learning into action to support the RE community. |
| Michelle Sullivan | I wish to serve on the NATRE Executive Committee because I am deeply committed to advancing high-quality Religious Education. I bring extensive classroom, advisory and leadership experience as Head of Department at Holyrood Academy, Secondary RE Adviser for Somerset, and RE Subject Facilitator for SWIFT. I have also completed the Culham St Gabriel’s Leadership in RE programme two years ago, which strengthened my strategic thinking and empowered me with confidence to lead change within my county. I have supported curriculum development across Somerset, co-written the secondary element of the locally Agreed Syllabus, contributed to RE Today, presented at Strictly RE and lead county curriculum training events for 150 teachers. I would love the opportunity to actively support NATRE by contributing to projects, advocating for RE, promoting engagement, and offering my skills and experience in any way that would be of value. |
| Shabnam Khaliq | I am seeking re-election to the NATRE Executive because I remain deeply committed to strengthening Religious Education at every level. As Head of Religious Studies and SCITT Subject Lead, I work with teachers and leaders to develop ambitious curricula, improve classroom practice and support high-quality professional development. I believe excellent RE is built through collaboration, scholarship and a commitment to developing teachers as well as students. During my time on the Executive, I have been proud to contribute to NATRE through leading sessions at Strictly RE and supporting work on scripture through scholarship, while collaborating with colleagues across the country to champion our subject. If re-elected, I will continue to bring energy, strategic thinking and a strong classroom perspective, helping to shape opportunities that strengthen subject leadership, support teachers and ensure that high-quality Religious Education continues to flourish nationally. |
| Jenny Kaur | – I am one of many teachers that values research engaged methods that drive changes in curriculum design, implementation and I have started being apart of that change but would like to experience bringing this to a national level. – I have experience at speaking for the lost voices of women in Sikhi as I guest lecture at universities for the need to implement these authentic voices in curriculum design. – I am also undertaking a Farmington on the western lens on dharmic faiths and the post-colonial curriculum we are left with. – I am currently on the Culham St Gabriel’s leadership programme, my focus is on authentic teaching of dharmic faiths from this I am committed to refine my research into my teaching practice and join NATRE as a committed practitioner for inclusive, justice focused RE/RWV. I would like to support through articles, webinars, speaking at STRICTLY RE etc. |
| Abi Dives | Having recently completed my ECT, I hope to serve on the NATRE Executive Committee because I want to ensure every Religious Studies teacher feels supported, connected and confident in their practice. I know how valuable a strong professional network can be, especially for colleagues who are the only specialist in their school or who struggle to engage with local networks. I would bring enthusiasm, a collaborative approach and a commitment to high-quality Religious Education. I am passionate about helping teachers develop their subject knowledge, confidence and pedagogical expertise to design and deliver knowledge-rich, engaging and meaningful curricula. As a member of the Executive Committee, I would champion ECTs to help improve teacher retention, encourage greater participation in NATRE’s professional community, and contribute to resources, professional development and initiatives that empower teachers throughout their careers and strengthen Religious Education Nationally. |
| Shannon Clemo | I am an experienced Head of Religious Education with a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of RE nationally. I am passionate about developing a religion and worldviews approach that is academically rigorous, inclusive and meaningful for all pupils. Beyond my own school, I have contributed to the Coventry and Warwickshire Locally Agreed Syllabus, written for RE Today, presented at national conferences, and am currently undertaking a Farmington Scholarship through the University of Oxford, researching how a worldviews curriculum can enhance pupils sense of belonging. I enjoy collaborating with colleagues, sharing best practice and supporting curriculum development. As a member of the NATRE Executive, I would bring enthusiasm, practical classroom experience and a commitment to ensuring high quality RE continues to thrive and evolve across the country. |
| Joe Kinnaird | I wish to continue serving on the NATRE executive to champion high-quality RE and support teachers at all stages of their careers. Over the past three years, my contributions include delivering a Strictly RE session on powerful questioning, speaking on disciplinary knowledge for Culham St Gabriel focus week, and serving as a teacher representative in the task and finish group for the proposed RE national curriculum. I also regularly contribute to and have chaired #rechatUK. In April 2026, my book, Secondary RE in Action, was published, bridging current research and practical classroom strategies on every aspect of RE teaching. I also work alongside RE ITT providers to deliver CPD on topics such as writing, use of scholarship and teaching GCSE. These achievements reflect my passion for the subject, collaborative spirit, and dedication to supporting the wider RE sector in a variety of different ways. |
| Sean Tighe | I read Religious Studies at Newcastle University from 2001 to 2004. I gained my PGCE from Leeds University in 2005. I have taught secondary Religious Education since 2005 in secondary comprehensive and selective (grammar school) settings. I have been Subject Leader for EPR since 2009. I have worked closely for many years with the Lincolnshire RE Advisor (Wendy Harrison) and been a member of SACRE secondary teachers working groups that recently revised the agreed syllabus. I have examined Religious Studies at GCSE and A Level. I have taught English and History at my present school and have previously served as the Literacy Co-ordinator. I was appointed Subject Leader for Politics in 2017, a role I currently fulfil whilst also Subject Leader for EPR. |
| Rachel Willcocks | I would like to join the NATRE executive as I am a committed, active and enthusiastic RE teacher with a genuine love and passion for our subject. I would relish the opportunity to share my own ideas and practice with other brilliant like-minded teachers of RE I have a genuine love for expert planning and curriculum design and finding new, pedagogical ways to approach the teaching of RE. I have been an active member of Learn Teach Lead RE for many years, leading and developing CPD opportunities throughout Devon. My own values within education support the main work of NATRE that we should be by teachers, for teachers. My drive for creating an ambitious curriculum, enabling every child to thrive in RE will hopefully support all NATRE members as I strive to learn more and be at the forefront of changes within education and RE to improve provision for everyone. |
| Joe Matthews | I previously served on the NATRE Executive and understand the vital role we play in supporting the RE community. It would be a privilege to serve again at this landmark moment as Religious Education is added to the National Curriculum. As a former Head of RE who led my school to achieve the REQM Gold Award, North Devon Secondary Hub Leader for the LTLRE project, and now an Assistant Headteacher, I would welcome the opportunity to continue advocating for and serving the RE community. |
| Deborah Crane | I believe Religious Education changes lives. My commitment to RE began long before I entered the classroom, shaped by witnessing prejudice towards my childhood best friend and by growing up alongside a younger sibling with special educational needs. These experiences instilled in me a lifelong determination to challenge discrimination, celebrate diversity and help others understand one another. After 28 years teaching RE, leading departments, supporting teachers across Salford and contributing to curriculum development and professional learning, I understand the opportunities and challenges facing our subject. I am passionate about raising the profile of RE. By supporting NATRE’s members through professional development, strengthening recruitment and championing excellence, I hope to inspire others to see what I have always believed: RE is far more than a subject—it is a powerful force for understanding, belonging and positive change. |
| Jenni Rawlinson | Serving on the NATRE Executive has been a rewarding opportunity to support the RE community while developing my own understanding of the national landscape. I would welcome the opportunity to continue contributing, deepen my expertise, and help strengthen Religious Education for teachers and pupils across the country. As a member of County Durham SACRE, a current Executive member, and a participant in the Culham St Gabriel’s National Leadership Programme, I have broadened my leadership experience. I have contributed to resources, blogs and REtoday, co-managed NATRE’s social media, supported #REChatUK, presented at Strictly RE, and lead a local NATRE group in County Durham. I would continue to support NATRE with enthusiasm through collaborative project work, championing high-quality Religious Education, strengthening professional networks, amplifying teachers’ voices through social media and #REChatUK, and supporting colleagues both regionally and nationally. |
You can contact us at any time:
- The Chair – [email protected]
- The NATRE Director – [email protected]
Your colleagues on the executive