“The Curriculum and Assessment Review will suggest ways to refresh the curriculum and assessment system including qualification pathways, to ensure it is cutting edge, fit for purpose and meets the needs of children and young people to support their future life and work”.  So said the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson as she launched the government’s much-promised independent Curriculum and Assessment Review.

Aims

The Review will look to deliver: 

• An excellent foundation in the core subjects of reading, writing and maths. 
• A broader curriculum, so that children and young people don’t miss out on subjects such as music, art, sport and drama, as well as vocational subjects. 
• A curriculum that ensures children and young people leave compulsory education ready for life and ready for work, building the knowledge, skills and attributes young people need to thrive. 
• A curriculum that reflects the issues and diversities of our society, ensuring all children and young people are represented. 
• An assessment system that captures the full strengths of every child and young person and the breadth of curriculum.

Bridget Phillipson outlined further details of the Review setting out the need for “an evolution not revolution approach, maintaining what’s working well with curriculum and assessment”.  The Review will seek to ensure that curriculum and assessment systems are aligned and operate together in a coherent manner whilst recognising the “progressive benefits” of public exams.  The Review may also make recommendations on accountability and performance measures which the Department for Education says are inextricably linked to curriculum and assessment.

Post-16

The Education Secretary wants post-16 education to be included as part of the Review referring to the need for “meaningful, rigorous and high-value pathways for all at 16-19”.  The government has also announced that it will also bring forward a “comprehensive strategy” for post-16 education.

Scope

Following the establishment of an expert group and working in collaboration with teachers, young people and other stakeholders, the Curriculum and Assessment Review will span from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 5 and include qualification pathways.  The Review will work backwards through the educational journey, starting with Key Stages 4 and 5, to ensure that learning is effectively sequenced and that barriers to achievement are removed at lower stages.  

Review Chair

The Review was included as part of the Children’s Wellbeing Bill in the King’s speech and the DfE has named Professor Becky Francis as the Chair.

Timelines

Following a call for evidence, an interim report will be available early in the new year with full recommendations published in autumn 2025.