March 2025
The last review of the national curriculum was launched in 2011, more than a decade ago. In July
2024, the Government commissioned Professor Becky Francis CBE to convene and chair a
panel of experts to conduct this Curriculum and Assessment Review. As set out in the Review Aims, Terms of Reference and Working Principles, we have been asked
to undertake:
A review of the existing national curriculum and statutory assessment system, including
qualification pathways. The Review will seek to refresh the curriculum to ensure it is
cutting edge, fit for purpose and meeting the needs of children and young people to
support their future life and work. The Review will ensure that the curriculum appropriately
balances ambition, excellence, relevance, flexibility and inclusivity for all our children and
young people, and it will ensure meaningful, rigorous and high-value pathways for all at
16-19. The Review will contribute to the Government’s missions to break down the
barriers to opportunity for every child and young person, at every stage, as well as to the
Government’s mission on growth. The Review will develop a cutting-edge curriculum,
equipping children and young people with the essential knowledge and skills which will
enable them to adapt and thrive in the world and workplace of the future. The Review will
build on the hard work of teachers and staff across the system who have brought their
subjects alive with knowledge-rich syllabuses, to deliver a curriculum which is rich and
broad, inclusive, and innovative.
The purpose of this Interim Report is to present our initial findings and insights. These have been
gathered through our Call for Evidence, the polling we have conducted, our review of the existing
data and research, and our engagement with the sector, parents and young people. Annex A
sets out our methodology. We set out how these initial findings will inform the work we undertake
in the next phase.
Responses