In response to Professor Becky Francis’s Curriculum and Assessment Review, The government has announced measures to ensure all young people master reading, science, and maths, along with essential life and work skills over the next decade. This initiative aims to elevate school standards and improve opportunities under the Plan for Change.

The curriculum is a core part of how the government plans to deliver the Prime Minister’s target of two-thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning by age 25.

The government will introduce a new reading test in year 8 and strengthen writing assessments in year 6 to support pupils’ development. Arts GCSEs will be valued equally to humanities and languages, boosting confidence and skills for the job market. A new core enrichment entitlement will offer all pupils access to civic engagement, arts, culture, nature, adventure, sport, and life skills.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised the need to update the decade-old national curriculum to prepare young people for today’s challenges and opportunities.