Nov
Advice For Schools
Curriculum and Assessment Review 2025 – The Highlights
SFE School Support Lead Jo Perrin delivers a concise, accessible overview of the key outcomes from the 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review.
I’m sure you’ve seen that the long-awaited Curriculum and Assessment review was released a few weeks ago. The review, chaired by Becky Francis CBE, aims to ensure England’s curriculum and assessment system is “world-class, inclusive, and fit for the future”.
It calls for refinement rather than overhaul, an “evolution, not revolution” approach, focusing on coherence, equity and reduced workload.
Over the coming months, we will be diving into the nuances in more detail – starting with how the new curriculum affects safeguarding, but for now, here are the headlines:
1. Curriculum Breadth and Inclusion.
- All pupils should have access to the full range of subjects, including separate sciences at GCSE.
- Schools are encouraged to preserve curriculum breadth, ensuring that subjects such as music, art and drama remain integral rather than reduced by test preparation.
- Greater representation of pupils’ diverse experiences is encouraged, addressing socio-economic and SEND inequalities.
- The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) accountability measure is recommended for removal to broaden choice.
- Recommended expansion of RE provision, as it is currently described as “not good enough and does not prepare pupils adequately for life beyond school.”
- Statutory citizenship classes to be introduced at primary level, including financial and media literacy, as well as climate change and sustainability.
- The computing science GCSE to be replaced to better prepare young people for “applying digital technology and data across a wide range of fields.”
2. Assessment Reform.
- Reduction of GCSE exam time by around 10 % to ease pressure on pupils and teachers, as well as a decrease in individual GCSE subject content, particularly in history and science.
- Introduction of a new diagnostic assessment in Year 8 (English and maths) to identify learning gaps earlier.
- At 16–19, focus on strengthening English and maths resit support and reducing over-assessment in technical qualifications.
- Possible adjustments to the writing assessment at KS2 may follow, subject to consultation.
3. Implementation Timeline.
New curriculum frameworks are expected to be introduced from 2027, with a phased rollout of teaching from September 2028.
It is worth noting that the DFE has also issued its own suggestions for change, not all of which align with the review. Therefore, it will be interesting to see what the future holds…
How Services For Education Can Support You:
Schools are encouraged to begin reviewing curriculum design and subject provision in preparation for these long-term changes.
As a professional training provider, we are well-equipped to prepare tailored CPD and consultancy sessions to help you adapt to the changes. We can provide tailored support at your setting in the following areas:
If you would like to request a callback or email to discuss your requirements, please feel free to drop us a line at hello@servicesforeducation.co.uk
If you found this blog useful, you may also be interested in reading the following blogs:
Curriculum and Assessment Review 2025 – The Highlights
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About the Author
Jo Perrin - Interim School Support Lead, Adviser, Services For Education
Jo Perrin is a seasoned Education Adviser with a strong background in safeguarding. She has held key roles as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and pastoral lead in the education sector. Facilitating training to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working directly with children and young people is her passion.
With a wealth of experience in teaching PSHE and expertise in childhood trauma from her time as a foster carer, Jo is dedicated to supporting organisations that work with children and vulnerable adults on safeguarding issues. She is actively involved in professional safeguarding groups in the West Midlands and is currently collaborating on a research project with colleagues from the University of Birmingham and the NHS focusing on FGM awareness within communities. Jo’s has worked as a West Midlands' Adviser for national PSHE resources, presented at the Sex Education Forum National Members' Event and authored an advertorial for PSM magazine and an article for SEND magazine.
Jo's expertise extends to training on topics such as Safer Recruitment and Mental Health at Work. She is also a facilitator for the nationally recognised NPQSL qualification, supporting senior leaders in education. Her contributions to publications and development of resources for RSE provision have been well-received by schools nationally and internationally.
With her extensive experience and dedication to professional development, Jo Perrin is a highly respected figure in the field of education. Her guidance on safeguarding, mental health awareness, personal development, and relationships education is highly valued within the industry.
