In November 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) published the final report of its Curriculum and Assessment Review, chaired by Professor Becky Francis. The review outlines significant reforms designed to modernise education in England, shifting from a predominantly test-driven culture toward a broader, skills-based, and enrichment-focused model.We are pleased to note that many of the proposed changes strongly affirm the direction our school has taken since its establishment in 2013. Our curriculum, subjects offered, and nurturing ethos have consistently prioritised student choice, personal development, and clear progression pathways to university and apprenticeships.

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Immediate Curriculum Updates (2025–2026)Compulsory Primary CitizenshipCitizenship will become compulsory for Years 1–6, incorporating media literacy, financial literacy, and climate education.These elements are already embedded within our PSHE provision, and we welcome the recognition of their importance within the national curriculum.

 

16–19 Maths and English Funding RequirementsFrom September 2025, post-16 providers must deliver a minimum of 100 hours of stand-alone, in-person teaching for students who have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4 in Maths or English.Our school has consistently exceeded this requirement, offering additional teaching hours alongside tailored one-to-one support to help students secure these essential qualifications.

 

Ofsted Inspection Pause and New Framework, BSO inspections.Routine inspections from November 2025, are expected to have a revised framework placing greater emphasis on personal development and enrichment.Our nurturing and individualised approach—supported by the diverse expertise within our team—places personal growth, confidence-building, and holistic development at the centre of our educational practice. This shift in inspection focus reflects values we have long championed.

 

Future Reforms (Phased from 2027/2028)Introduction of V-LevelsNew vocational qualifications (V-Levels) will be introduced to sit alongside A-Levels.Within our existing framework, students already have access to apprenticeship pathways in Spain, provided they achieve at least GCSE-level Spanish. We actively support students in keeping both academic and vocational routes open.

 

Triple Science Entitlement All students will gain a statutory right to study separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.We have always encouraged students to meet and where possible exceed the science expectations of the English curriculum. It is encouraging to see science entitlement strengthened nationally, as this broadens opportunities for students across the academic spectrum.

 

National Oracy FrameworkA new national framework will prioritise speaking and listening skills across all subjects. Oracy has long been integral to our classroom practice. The ability to articulate ideas clearly, debate respectfully, and listen actively builds confidence and prepares students for assessments, higher education, and professional life.

 

Removal of the EBacc Performance Measure, the removal of the performance measure in EBacc will allow greater flexibility in subject choice, with increased emphasis on the Arts, Humanities, and Languages. Since our first year of operation in 2013, we have championed a broad and balanced curriculum that values these subjects alongside core disciplines. We are therefore pleased to see national policy moving toward a model that reflects and validates our long-standing educational philosophy.

 

ConclusionThe Department for Education’s reforms signal a meaningful shift toward a more inclusive, skills-based, and student-centred education system. We are proud that our curriculum design, subject range, and pastoral ethos have consistently aligned with these principles. Our approach continues to expand opportunities for our students ensuring they are well qualified to progress to university, pursue apprenticeships, or enter alternative professional pathways with confidence and competence.