On 18 January 2012 the Department for Education launched a public consultation on the Government’s proposal to disapply the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and associated Attainment Targets and assessment arrangements, from September 2012. 
 

 
 Will schools still be required to teach ICT beyond September 2012?

ICT will continue as a compulsory subject within the National Curriculum at Key Stages 1-4 until at least September 2014.  The current review of the National Curriculum in England is considering the place of ICT within the National Curriculum beyond September 2014, and the Government will publish proposals later this year.
 

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 Are academies required to teach ICT?

Academies that converted from September 2010 are not required to teach the National Curriculum. Through their funding agreements, they are required to teach a broad and balanced curriculum. Prior to September 2010 some academies were required, through their funding agreements, to follow the National Curriculum and to teach ICT, these academies are still required to teach ICT. However, we will be offering them the opportunity to move to the new model funding agreement.
 
We know that academies take seriously their responsibility to prepare their pupils for further study and the world of work. We are confident, therefore, that academies understand the benefits of, and are delivering, a high quality broad and balanced education which covers a wide range of subjects including ICT.

 

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 How does this proposal affect schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Responsibility for education in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is a matter for the devolved administrations in those nations. This proposal relates to the teaching of ICT in schools England only.
 

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 How can I respond to the consultation on this proposal?

The public consultation on this proposal will run for 12 weeks and is scheduled to close on 11 April.  To view the consultation document please visit our consultations site.

If you have any difficulties accessing or responding to the consultation document then please let us know by emailing us at NationalCurriculum.REVIEW@education.gsi.gov.uk

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 How can I find out more?

If you have any questions about the Government’s proposal, its plans to improve ICT education, or the consultation process, then please contact us at NationalCurriculum.REVIEW@education.gsi.gov.uk
 

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