Understanding the New Curriculum Review: What It Means for Your Child

The government has completed a major review of what children learn in schools and how they're assessed. Here's what parents need to know, broken down by your child's stage of education.

Why This Curriculum Review Matters

This is the first major curriculum review in over a decade. The goal is simple: make sure every child gets a world-class education that prepares them for modern life, regardless of their background. The review builds on what's working well but makes important changes to fix what isn't.

Primary School (Ages 5-11)

What's Staying the Same

Your child will continue to learn a broad range of subjects including English, maths, science, history, geography, languages, art, music, PE and computing. The strong focus on reading, writing and numeracy in the early years will remain because these are essential foundations.

Key Changes for Primary

English and Literacy

The curriculum will be clearer about what children should learn at each stage. There's more emphasis on speaking and listening skills, which are crucial for confidence and communication.

Grammar teaching will be reviewed. Currently, children learn quite complex grammar rules that even adults struggle with. The new approach will focus on using grammar practically in writing, rather than just learning theory.

The grammar test at the end of Year 6 will change to better assess how children actually use grammar in their writing, not just whether they can identify abstract rules.

Building Strong Foundations

The review recognises that too many children are moving to secondary school without secure literacy and numeracy skills. New diagnostic tests in Year 8 (see secondary section) will help catch problems early, but the focus is on making sure children leave primary with the confidence and knowledge they need.

More Time for Schools to Be Creative

Currently, schools sometimes feel the curriculum is so packed that there's no time for enrichment activities, school trips or local projects. The changes aim to give schools more breathing space whilst maintaining high standards in core subjects.

What Parents Should Know

• Your child's primary experience should remain positive and holistic

• Speaking and listening will be given more attention

• Grammar teaching will be more practical and less theoretical

• Schools will have more flexibility to provide trips, clubs and creative activities

Secondary School (Years 7-11, Ages 11-16)

The Transition Challenge

One of the review's biggest concerns is that too many students struggle when moving from primary to secondary school. Many lose momentum in Year 7 and Year 8, which affects their GCSE results later. Several changes aim to fix this.

Key Changes for Secondary

New Year 8 Diagnostic Tests

Starting in Year 8, students will take diagnostic tests in English and maths. These aren't high-stakes exams but tools to help teachers identify gaps in knowledge early, before GCSEs start. Think of them as an MOT for your child's learning.

Less Exam Time at GCSE

English teenagers currently spend more time sitting GCSE exams than students in most other countries. The review recommends reducing exam time subject by subject, without compromising the quality or fairness of assessments. Exams will remain (they're the fairest way to assess students nationally) but the volume will decrease.

Subject Changes

Several subjects will see improvements:

English

• GCSE English Language will focus more on how language works and include more diverse text types like online content and media

• English Literature will continue to include Shakespeare and classic novels but with more flexibility for teachers to choose texts that represent diverse voices and engage students

• Drama will get its own clear section in the curriculum at Key Stage 3, not just be part of English

Languages

• The curriculum will be clearer about what students should learn at primary level

• Changes aim to make languages more accessible and improve progression from primary through to GCSE

Geography and History

• Both subjects will have some content streamlined to reduce repetition

• Geography will include more on climate change and sustainability

• History will be clearer about which parts are compulsory and where teachers have flexibility

• Both will emphasise critical thinking and real-world skills

Science, Maths and Computing

• These remain core subjects with improvements to content and clarity

• Computing will better reflect modern technology skills students need

Creative Subjects

• The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) measures that pushed schools to prioritise certain academic subjects will be removed

• This should give students more genuine choice to study art, music, drama, design and technology

• These subjects won't disappear from accountability but will be part of a new "Academic Breadth" measure

Subject Choice at GCSE

Most students (89%) currently study eight or nine GCSEs. The review wants to maintain this breadth whilst giving students more freedom to choose subjects they're passionate about. The removal of strict EBacc targets means schools can offer a better balance between academic subjects and creative or vocational options.

What Parents Should Know

• Your child will still take GCSEs but will spend less time in exam halls

• Subject choice should become more flexible, especially for creative subjects

• New tests in Year 8 will help catch problems early

• All subjects remain valuable – the changes recognise that different students have different strengths

Sixth Form and College (Ages 16-19)

This is where the biggest changes are proposed. Currently, the system works well for some students but not for others.

What's Working Well

• A Levels remain excellent preparation for university and will continue unchanged for students who want to study three academic subjects in depth.

• T Levels are new technical qualifications for students who know exactly which career they want to pursue. These are working well and will continue to grow.

The Big Problem

Many young people don't fit neatly into either A Levels or T Levels. Some want to study applied subjects but aren't ready to commit to a specific career. Others didn't get strong GCSE grades and need more support. Currently, the system is confusing, with hundreds of different qualifications and unclear progression routes.

The Solution: V Levels

The review recommends creating a new qualification pathway called V Levels (V for Vocational) to sit alongside A Levels and T Levels. These would be for students who:

• Want more applied, practical learning but aren't sure about a specific career yet

• Prefer a mix of subjects rather than specialising in three A Level subjects

• Need high-quality technical education without the full work placement commitment of T Levels

V Levels would be high-quality qualifications with clear progression routes to employment, apprenticeships or university.

Three Clear Pathways

After these changes, students would have three main routes:

1. A Levels: Three academic subjects for university preparation

2. T Levels: Technical qualifications for a specific career, including substantial work placement

3. V Levels: Applied qualifications offering breadth and flexibility across sectors

Maths and English at 16-19

If your child doesn't achieve grade 4 (a pass) in GCSE maths or English, they currently must continue studying these subjects. This isn't changing, but how it's done will improve.

Current Problem: Many students who didn't pass at 16 are forced to repeat the same GCSE course. This often doesn't work and they become discouraged.

New Approach:

• More tailored support for different needs

• New Level 1 qualifications for students who need more gradual progression

• Better teaching focused on each student's specific gaps

• The aim is that more young people actually achieve their maths and English qualifications, rather than just going through the motions

What Parents Should Know

• Three clearer pathways will make choices easier to understand

• V Levels will provide a high-quality option for students between A Levels and T Levels

• Maths and English support will be better matched to individual needs

• The changes aim to ensure every young person has a route to success

Making Education Work for All Children

Closing the Gap

One of the review's key findings is that children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are still falling behind. Whilst this isn't entirely a curriculum problem, all recommendations aim to ensure:

• High expectations for every child

• Better support for struggling learners

• More inclusive teaching materials that represent all backgrounds

• Reduced barriers to accessing subjects and activities

Modern Skills for a Changing World

The world is changing rapidly, and the curriculum needs to keep up. Changes across subjects will ensure young people develop:

• Digital literacy: Understanding how to use technology safely and effectively

• Media literacy: Critically evaluating information online

• Oracy skills: Speaking and presenting with confidence

• Financial literacy: Understanding money and personal finance

• Climate and sustainability knowledge: Understanding and responding to environmental challenges

These skills will be woven into existing subjects rather than creating new ones.

Assessment That's Fair and Useful

The review strongly supports keeping exams because they're the fairest way to assess students nationally, especially as AI makes coursework easier to cheat on. However:

• Exam time at GCSE will be reduced where possible

• Primary assessments will better reflect real skills

• Diagnostic tests will help teachers help students

• The focus is on tests being useful tools for learning, not just accountability measures

What Happens Next?

These recommendations will be carefully implemented over time. The government wants to avoid disrupting your child's education with too many changes at once. Subject experts, teachers and exam boards will work together to make detailed changes.

If your child is currently in school, some changes may affect them, but the approach is "evolution not revolution". The goal is steady improvement, not upheaval.

Curriculum Review - Questions Parents Often Ask

Will these changes make school easier or harder?

Neither. The goal is to make education better matched to what children need. Some things that weren't working well will be fixed. Standards will remain high, but support will be better targeted.

Should I be worried about my child's current qualifications?

No. GCSEs and A Levels remain valuable qualifications. Changes will be phased in carefully, and your child's hard work will continue to be recognised.

Will my child's school change what it teaches immediately?

No. These are recommendations to the government. Changes to the curriculum and qualifications will take time to develop and implement properly, with plenty of notice to schools, parents and students.

What if my child has special educational needs?

The review emphasises that the curriculum should work for all children, including those with SEND. Schools should adapt the curriculum appropriately to meet individual needs, and the recommendations aim to make this easier.

Will subjects like art and music disappear?

Absolutely not. One of the key changes is removing pressure that pushed schools away from creative subjects. All subjects are valued, and the changes should actually make it easier for students to study what they're passionate about.

How can I support my child?

• Encourage them to read widely and talk about what they're learning

• Support their interests across all subjects, not just "academic" ones

• Focus on developing their confidence, curiosity and resilience

• Trust that teachers and schools are working to implement these changes thoughtfully

The Bottom Line

This review aims to build a world-class education system that works for every child. It keeps what's working well (broad curriculum, exam qualifications, strong core subjects) whilst fixing what isn't (excessive exam time, unclear pathways at 16-19, gaps in support).

The changes recognise that every child is different, with different strengths and aspirations. Whether your child loves maths, drama, technology or languages, the goal is the same: ensure they leave education with the knowledge, skills and qualifications to thrive in adult life.

Most importantly, the review emphasises that high standards must mean high standards for all children, regardless of background or circumstance. That's something every parent can support.

More Curricular is an educational resource provider offering evidence-based courses and workshops focused on learning to learn and developing essential skills that complement the school curriculum.