BETT PREVIEW


Shaping the future: What the Curriculum and Assessment Review means for schools and how White Rose Education will support you


Maths tests are recommended to identify learning gaps soon after transition. At GCSE and beyond, the Review suggests reducing assessment volume by around 10%, easing exam pressure and allowing teachers to focus on strengthening curriculum delivery.


Why this aligns with White Rose Education’s mission From the start, White Rose Education has championed the belief that maths and science confidence opens doors to further learning, opportunity, and life. The Review reflects our principles: • A coherent, well-sequenced curriculum that builds deep understanding over time.


• Inclusive education, where every learner can access high-quality maths and science education.


• Balanced curriculum design that combines academic content with life skills and creativity.


T


he release of the Curriculum and Assessment Review final report marks a major moment in England’s education landscape. The Review, chaired by Becky Francis, examines everything from the national curriculum through to qualifications, assessments, and post- 16 pathways.


Its recommendations aim to create a coherent, inclusive, and future-ready education system that serves all learners, particularly those with SEND or from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Review balances essential academic foundation with life skills and curriculum breadth.


What’s changing and why it matters


The Review calls for a reworked curriculum that preserves a knowledge- rich approach while reflecting modern life and societal changes. Schools will continue to deliver core subjects with clarity, coherence, and relevance, providing teachers with a stable backbone while allowing room for enrichment beyond statutory content.


Greater emphasis on breadth, not just academic rigour Curriculum breadth is a priority. Practical life skills, digital literacy, media and financial literacy, sustainability, and cultural awareness feature strongly. Subjects beyond the traditional core, including arts, humanities, and design/ technology, will gain renewed status.


Smarter assessments: diagnostic, not just high stakes Key changes are proposed for younger pupils, including replacing parts of the primary assessment model and placing greater emphasis on meaningful writing and reading. For early secondary (Year 8), diagnostic English and


How White Rose Education will support schools through this change We recognise that change of this scale is both exciting and challenging. We will work closely with schools to: • Provide guidance and professional development to align existing schemes with forthcoming curriculum and qualification changes.


• Support inclusive, mastery-based maths teaching, giving confidence to teachers and helping all learners succeed.


• Help schools plan for new diagnostic assessments, using them to identify gaps early and shape teaching.


• Collaborate with school leaders to design broader curriculum and enrichment plans, ensuring strong foundations in maths and science while integrating opportunities for life skills, digital literacy, and wider personal development.


Looking ahead: what this means for schools and learners As has been said, the Curriculum and Assessment Review represents evolution, not revolution. It refines what works, addresses what doesn’t, and adapts England’s education system to serve the needs of a changing world. Schools have a real opportunity to reimagine education, building curricula that are coherent, inclusive, and relevant, and supporting every child to succeed not just in exams but in lifelong learning.


At White Rose Education, we are proud to play our part; we are ready to support schools in shaping the next chapter for their pupils.


Come and visit White Rose Education at Bett 2026 White Rose Education will be at Bett UK 2026 exhibition, 21 - 23 January 2026. Visit us at stand SM60 to speak to us about how White Rose Education resources can be used in your school and our early bird offers for 26/27.


16 www.education-today.co.uk December 2025


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