nasen responds to the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review final report
We welcome the publishing of the Curriculum and Assessment Review final report. The findings fill Nasen with hope that this is the beginning of change, ensuring that there is a real move towards inclusion for all. It is the beginning of a journey which will take education into a new era. This will shape the education of future generations and, along with the SEND reforms expected to be announced and the White Paper due to be launched early in 2026, will give a platform by which all learners can achieve.
We are particularly pleased to see the focus on the essential skills of oracy, reading and writing as well as the development of skills which enable children to make critical decisions around their own safeguarding from harmful influences as well as financial management. The embodiment of a curriculum that gives learners the opportunity to develop vital life skills can only be a good thing to enhance life chances for those who face challenges.
The changes to school accountability performance measures will be welcomed across the sector. The recommendation to remove the EBacc and change the P8 will give schools the freedom to encourage the study of a greater breadth of GCSE subjects including the arts, humanities and languages.
The reduction of the time spent on final examinations and the focus on widening opportunities for studies is particularly pleasing. Considering the increase in the number of learners exhibiting symptoms of SEMH, this is a significant move towards acknowledging the pressures on our young people. As is opening of genuine pathways for securing the equality of the more creative subjects which have been historically seen as lesser qualifications and the increased focus on enrichment activities.
We see the development of a new qualification around Data, Science and AI as an exciting opportunity for many learners who have interest in this area of real expertise. This will give the opportunity to demonstrate skills which are vital for the modern workplace, opening opportunities which may have been difficult for some young people to access previously.
We now hope that the focus on collaboration, investment and the training of those working in the sector will be resourced and prioritised. The implementation of the outlined changes will be dependent upon a workforce that can work quickly and flexibly, with new skills as well as a shared understanding of what the changes are hoping to achieve. This will require significant resourcing and CPD opportunities to be planned and made accessible for all, as well as recruitment of teachers and staff which many schools currently find a challenge. The success of any significant change requires strength in leadership and so we need to be empowering system leaders to make the bold and brave moves that this new era will demand.
We see this as a moment of opportunity and are looking forward to hearing more detail around the implementation of these recommendations as they come.
The Department for Education’s full announcement and supporting materials can be read by clicking the button below
