What’s Happening With the School Curriculum? A Guide for Young People.

The government is reviewing the school curriculum and how students are assessed. It’s a big review led by Professor Becky Francis and a team of experts. They’re asking big questions about how schools can better prepare young people for life, work, and the future.

They recently shared their interim report, which is an update on their findings so far. We’ve read it and summarised it for you. Here’s what you need to know.

So, What Is the Curriculum and Why Is It Changing?

The curriculum is what schools are meant to teach you — subjects like English, Maths, Science, History, PE, and more. It also includes what you’re expected to know by the end of each stage (like Key Stage 3 or GCSEs).

The review is happening because:

• The world is changing fast — think AI, social media, climate change, and new types of jobs and the curriculum should reflect that.

• Not all young people are getting the same chances to succeed.

• There are concerns that too many exams, outdated content, and lack of real-life learning are affecting how well young people do and feel at school.

  
  

It was last reviewed between 2011 and 2013, where reforms wanted to create a curriculum that was “knowledge-rich”. The review is being informed by evidence, data and experiences shared by experts, stakeholders (including teachers, subject-specific organisations, exam boards, and more) and the public. This includes over 7000 responses from the Call to Evidence.

✅ What’s Going Well

According to the evidence the review has gathered so far:

• Many schools are offering a broad mix of subjects up to age 16.

• England scores well in international tests for English and Maths.

• A-Levels are still seen as a strong and respected route to university.

  
  

The National Curriculum offers pupils a broad range of subjects that looks to increase knowledge in lots of different areas, and international comparisons suggest the current system has had a positive impact on attainment.

The A-Level route of 16 – 19 education is seen as strong, well-respected and widely recognised. In 2022/2023, 82% of A-Level students in state schools progressed to higher education by 19.

The review highlights many successes and ways the Curriculum is working well, but there’s room to improve.

What Needs to Change

The review highlighted 4 areas in particular with the greatest opportunities and need for improvement:

1.  It's Not Working for Everyone

• The attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers is still too big.

• Young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) are not making enough progress.

• Some students are leaving school without the skills they need for the next stage of life or work.

  
  

2. Some Subjects Are Being Squeezed Out

• Subjects like Drama, Music, and Design Technology have seen big drops in the number of students taking them.

• The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) may be limiting student choice, making it harder to take arts, vocational, or creative subjects.

• Even though subjects like Religious Studies are still popular, they’re getting less time in the school timetable.

  
  

3.  The Curriculum Needs to Respond to Social and Technological Change

·       AI and new digital technologies mean there’s a new demand for media literacy and critical thinking as well as digital skills.

·       Young people need to understand new technologies and be prepared to make the most of career opportunities available in those areas.

4. 16-19 Technical and Vocational Qualifications

·       Employers and the public are often unclear about what different qualifications mean and how they connect to jobs or university.

·       There are lots of options after age 16 (like A-Levels, T Levels, and vocational courses), but it can feel confusing to know which path is right.

·       Many young people haven’t decided what career they want yet, but the current system expects them to make big decisions early.

There was also specific feedback from students and parents highlighted in the review around mental wellbeing and stress, inclusivity and diversity and being prepared for life.

Young people and parents said they want more life skills in school, like Financial education, Digital and media literacy, Politics and how the government works and Career options.

A lot of young people also said they want a curriculum that is more inclusive, where they can see themselves in what they learn.

What Are the Review Panel’s Big Goals?

The Review Panel wants to create a system where:

• All students can succeed, no matter their background or needs.

• The curriculum is up-to-date, inclusive, and engaging.

• Students are better prepared for the world of work, including future careers and new technology like AI.

• Schools still have high standards, but with less stress and better support for wellbeing.

What’s Next?

The Review Team is doing more research and listening to feedback from students, teachers, parents, and experts. The final recommendations will be published in autumn 2025.

Want to get involved?

The Government isn’t the only people conducting a review of the Curriculum and Assessments, the Youth Shadow Panel is making sure young people are able to have their say too.

They received their own evidence, have been out on a tour to speak to young people about their experiences and will be publishing their own review. You can check out more about the Youth Shadow Panel and how to get involved here.

Your voice matters. This is your education. You deserve to be part of the conversation.