Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about the changes to the National Curriculum.
 

 
 Why has the Government decided to announce a review of the National Curriculum?

As it has developed, the National Curriculum has come to cover more subjects, prescribe more outcomes and take up more school time than originally intended. It is our intention that the National Curriculum be slimmed down so that it properly reflects the body of essential knowledge in key subjects and does not absorb the overwhelming majority of teaching time in schools. A slimmed-down National Curriculum will also free up teachers to use their professional judgement to design curricula that meet the needs of their pupils.

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 What will the National Curriculum review cover?

The review will consider the National Curriculum at both primary and secondary levels. The ultimate aim is to create a National Curriculum which allows children to build their knowledge in key subjects systematically and consistently, starting with Key Stage 1 and moving through to Key Stage 4. We also want to consider how we can slim down the National Curriculum to make it more manageable and free up teachers so that they can create lessons that really inspire and engage their pupils. You can read the full remit for the review in this section

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 Why are you changing the timetable for the review?

The review has made good progress over the last year.  However, the possible reforms suggested by the evidence documents we have published, and especially the international curriculum evidence report and the report of the review Expert Panel, go far beyond matters of curriculum content.  Having listened to all the views expressed during the review so far we have decided that, in the best interests of pupils, their parents and teachers that these matters should be subject to further consideration and consultation. 

To allow more time and space for that consideration and consultation we have decided that the new programmes of study for English, mathematics, science and physical education will now be introduced in September 2014 rather than September 2013 as had been originally envisaged.

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 Can you say more specifically about the issues to which you want to give further consideration?


The work of the review to date has thrown up a number of important challenges, which are highlighted in the reports we have published.  These include, for example:

  • how we can ensure that the National Curriculum in this country is as ambitious as those we have looked at in the highest performing education jurisdictions;
  • how the new National Curriculum should be structured, including issues such as the nature of attainment targets and the key stage framework;
  • how we can increase the degree of coherence between the content of the National Curriculum and GCSEs.

We will say more about this in the new year.

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 Who is leading this review?

The review is organised and managed by the Department for Education. From January 2011 to December 2011 the review was advised by an Expert Panel and the panel published a report including their conclusions and recommendations on 19 December 2011. The review is also supported by an Advisory Committee consisting mainly of successful headteachers and also including representation from higher education and employers. The terms of reference for the Advisory Committee and its members are also in this section.

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  When will the new National Curriculum be taught in schools?

The review is considering which subjects beyond English, mathematics, science and physical education, if any, should be part of the new National Curriculum from September 2014.  We look forward to further discussion on this matter, but our intention is that the new programmes of study for all other subjects that are to form part of the new National Curriculum or to have non-statutory programmes of study will be available to schools by September 2013, with teaching in maintained schools from September 2014. Beyond this, the review will advise on whether the new curriculum should be phased in, and if so, how.

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 How will a new National Curriculum help to improve standards?

We will ensure that the new National Curriculum is rigorous – by looking at curriculum design in the most successful education jurisdictions across the globe and benchmarking what our children are expected to learn at different stages in their schooling to ensure that they are able to fulfil their potential. Slimming down the National Curriculum will also help raise standards as teachers will have more freedom to innovate in how they teach and develop new approaches that will engage children in their education more effectively.
 

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 Will the new National Curriculum be taught in academies and Free Schools?

Academies and Free Schools will retain their existing freedom to depart from the National Curriculum where they consider it appropriate, but they are required by law, like all schools, to teach a broad and balanced curriculum. And all state schools will be held accountable for their performance in tests and exams which reflect the National Curriculum.

As is the case now, although academies are not required to follow the National Curriculum, we envisage that many will choose to offer it.
 

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 What are the next steps in the review?

In the new year we will embark on a much wider discussion of the issues and challenges that have been identified by the review with teachers, stakeholder organisations and other interested parties.

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 How can I get involved?

If you would like to send us your views then please write to us at NationalCurriculumReview.feedback@education.gsi.gov.uk

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 What should schools be doing now?

Until the new National Curriculum is introduced, state schools are legally required to continue to follow the current National Curriculum for primary and secondary schools.

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