6 May 2025 - Curriculum and Assessment Review - Oral evidence

Details of the Review, led by Professor Becky Francis, were published in July 2024. Its interim report was published in March. 

In the first half of the session, witnesses including Tim Oates, who led a review of the National Curriculum in 2010-11, will take a broad look at the aims of the current Review and the strategic changes it is suggesting could be made to primary and secondary education.  

Questions may cover the outcomes of previous curriculum reviews which prompted a shift to a more ‘knowledge rich’, content heavy education; the balance between breadth and depth of subjects; and whether more emphasis should be placed on children’s wellbeing or closing attainment gaps. MPs are also likely to ask how any forthcoming reforms could be of benefit to children with special educational needs and disabilities, and about the future of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) and the report’s findings of “major” problems with modern foreign languages teaching in primary school. 

In the second panel the cross-party Committee will turn its attention to how the curriculum prepares young people to acquire the skills needed in the economy and for employment.  

Witnesses, including from the British Chambers of Commerce and Confederation of British Industry, will be asked about the types of skills that may be needed in the future, and to what extent the current curriculum equips children with those skills. They may also be asked whether the previous shift to a ‘knowledge rich’ curriculum crowded out schools’ ability to teach skills, and whether digital skills and AI should be prioritised in the Curriculum Review. 

This will be the first evidence session on the Review, a second session will be announced in due course.