The Curriculum and Assessment Review

The Curriculum and Assessment Review, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE, has been set up to undertake a review of the current national curriculum and statutory assessment system in England. Spanning Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5, the review will look closely at the key challenges to attainment for young people, and the barriers which hold children back from the opportunities and life chances they deserve – in particular those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, or with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). 

On 25 September, the review launched an 8-week call for evidence seeking the views of young people and parents, teachers and lecturers, leaders, experts and employers on the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and how it can be improved. These views will be pivotal to the recommendations Professor Becky Francis CBE and her expert panel put forward in 2025.

The review is seeking evidence on how the curriculum and assessment system can ensure all young people are prepared for life and work. The main purpose of the review is to ensure that the curriculum balances ambition, relevance, flexibility and inclusivity for all children and young people, including:

• An excellent foundation in core subjects of reading, writing and maths

• A broader curriculum, so that young people do not 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. This includes embedding digital, oracy and life skills in the curriculum 

• 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 strengths of every child and young person and the breadth of curriculum, with the right balance of assessment methods whilst maintaining the important role of examinations