Curriculum and Assessment Review Recommendations
What is the Curriculum and Assessment Review?
Last autumn, the government announced that they had commissioned an independent panel to review the curriculum and assessment system in England. The ongoing review called for education professionals, stakeholders, community leaders and parents to submit evidence to the consultation process.
As experts in children's literacy, we also responded to the call for evidence and compiled a series of recommendations.
What does the curriculum review hope to deliver?
The purpose of the curriculum assessment and review is to try and ensure that the curriculum in England "appropriately balances ambition, excellence, relevance, flexibility and inclusivity for all children and young people (aged 5 to 19)".
This is a once in a generation chance to ensure that our curriculum is fit for purpose, inclusive and gives every young person the skills they need to thrive.
How the National Literacy Trust responded
In November 2024, we submitted substantial evidence to the review. To do this, we worked across all our teams at the National Literacy Trust to gather expertise based on our experiences on the frontline as well as consulting:
- Over 200 teachers
- More than 100 businesses who are signatories of our Vision for Literacy business pledge
- The News Network (10 leading news organisations in the UK)
- 20 other key stakeholders from education, health and social care, communities, and local government.
Our four pillars for reform
The results of our consultation identified four key pillars for Curriculum and Assessment reform.
We have long championed these principles not only to improve literacy education, but also because we know they are key to driving economic growth, strengthening social cohesion, breaking down barriers to opportunities, enhancing health and wellbeing, and ensuring the next generation have the skills they need to thrive in the world of work and beyond.
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Reading for Pleasure
Embedding a culture of reading for pleasure at all levels within the National Curriculum could boost learning, opportunities, wellbeing, and confidence.
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Disciplinary Literacy
Embedding key literacy skills across all subjects, not just English, would give students the tools they need to navigate each field and better prepare them for the world of work. Read more about Disciplinary literacy.
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An inclusive approach to learning
Ensuring consistent, sustained literacy development for all students to maximise their potential. Assessment methods should not inhibit potential but enable every student, including those with Special Educational Needs and English as an Additional Language, to thrive.
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Critical Literacy
Embedding critical, media and digital literacy within the National Curriculum would break down barriers to opportunities and better equip students for the challenges of the modern world.
Curriculum and Assessment Review Recommendations
We have compiled our recommendations for development based on the consideration of the successes, challenges and barriers of the current curriculum.
What is the National Literacy Trust going to do next?
We are currently in the process of developing the next steps for this work and drawing on our findings to propose actionable strategies that align with the National Literacy Trust’s organisational strategy. We are committed in our purpose to ensure all children and young people, regardless of background, reach their full potential, which is also key to the success of mission-led government.
What we will do...
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Libraries for Primaries
Continue to campaign for government investment and support for primary school library provision. We are also calling on the government to collect school library data in the schools’ census.
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APPG on Literacy
Engage members of Parliament and work with the members of the APPG on Literacy to progress our asks.
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Future of Literacy project
Develop and conduct thought-leading research around the Future of Literacy.