Reformed national curriculum hopes to equip young people with vital skills for life and work

Reforming the national curriculum

The government has announced ambitious reforms to the national curriculum. It aims to equip children and young people with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to thrive in life and work. These changes respond to the Curriculum and Assessment Review led by Professor Becky Francis. They also form part of the Plan for Change. This plan supports the Prime Minister’s target of two-thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning by age 25.

Core academic strengths and life skills

The reforms focus on strengthening the basics of reading, science, and maths. The goal is also to embed vital life skills. For the first time, primary pupils will be taught how to spot fake news, understand misinformation, and manage money.

A new Year 8 statutory reading test and Year 6 writing assessment aim to identify students needing extra support and address falling standards, particularly among working-class pupils.

Elevating the arts and enrichment

The government strives to give arts GCSEs equal status to humanities and languages. It recognises the role of arts in building confidence and broadening skills. A new core enrichment entitlement aims to ensure all pupils have access to civic engagement, arts and culture, nature and adventure, sport, and life skills.

Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, called this a “watershed moment” that will give every pupil “equitable access to the activities and experiences that engage, inspire and develop.”

Boosting science and technology pathways

Under this reform, the government vows to support schools in offering triple science GCSE as standard. The government is also exploring a new data science and AI qualification for those aged 16–18. It believes that this will prepare students for careers in tech and science.

Strengthening speaking skills

A new oracy framework has been proposed to help young people become confident and effective speakers. It builds on the success of reading and writing frameworks. The government promise to support teachers with practical strategies and examples of best practice.

Improving employability and curriculum breadth

The reforms aim to embed practical skills like teamwork, digital literacy, and financial education into the curriculum. Jane Gratton of the British Chambers of Commerce welcomed the changes, saying they will help students “move successfully into working life.”

The changes will remove the EBacc, and Progress 8 will be reformed. The government hope this will encourage a broader range of GCSE subjects, including arts and languages.

New benchmarks and accountability

Under this reform, schools will be expected to meet new enrichment benchmarks across five categories. The plan is for Ofsted to assess this during inspections. A new school profiles service should also provide parents with information on enrichment opportunities.

Digital curriculum and implementation timeline

For the first time, the national curriculum will be digital and machine-readable. The government believe that this will help teachers improve sequence learning. It endeavours to publish the final curriculum by spring 2027. Full implementation should be from September 2028, giving schools four terms to prepare.

Sector reactions and endorsements

Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary

“These landmark reforms will help young people step boldly into the future, with the knowledge to achieve and the skills to thrive.”

Kate Varah, National Theatre

“Access to drama and arts subjects is essential… We welcome the removal of the EBacc and a stronger Drama curriculum.”

Sir Hamid Patel, Star Academies

“The reforms spur ambition and innovation while recognising the challenges faced by schools.”

Carole Willis, NFER

“A renewed focus on oracy, critical thinking, and life skills is welcome—but implementation must consider school capacity and resources.”

Sam Hartley, Director of Policy, Research and Voter Engagement

“We strongly believe that every young person should have the chance to learn about democracy in the classroom, and we know there is an appetite from students themselves. Embedding these changes in the English curriculum would transform how young people can develop the skills and confidence to participate in democracy.”

Youth and sector voices

The reforms reflect priorities raised by young people through the Youth Shadow Review. This includes sustainability, reduced GCSE assessment, and stronger life skills education.

Amira Campbell, Chair of the Youth Shadow Review, said:

“This is a landmark day for education… The Review panel has acted, proving that our voices matter.”

Paul Whiteman, NAHT, supported the removal of the EBacc and inclusion of Religious Education in the national curriculum. However, he criticized the missed opportunity to reduce primary testing.

Susannah Hardyman MBE, CEO of Impetus, emphasized the importance of the reforms for disadvantaged youth. She called for more focus on essential skills like teamwork and problem-solving.

Michael Englard, CEO of Skills Builder UK said:

“A complete education must include communication, critical and creative thinking, self-management and collaborative skills. This Review sets out a roadmap to build these skills through the curriculum, enrichment, work experience and careers education for all phases. To deliver on its ambition we need a common framework. The Universal Framework is already being used by 900 education institutions, employers and impact organisations in the Skills Builder Partnership, to tackle the disadvantage gap and build these skills with rigour. With this momentum, we can ensure every child and young person can thrive in education, employment, and beyond.”

Sarah Porretta, CEO of Young Enterprise also welcomes the reforms:

“Financial literacy is not just a classroom subject, it is a life skill that underpins social mobility, resilience, future economic wellbeing and the country’s growth. Teachers have told us repeatedly that they need time, training, and resources to deliver this effectively, and parents and children are desperate for more financial education. Today’s announcement offers a real opportunity to make that possible.”