Curriculum and Assessment roundtable statement of principles

The key principles which should be considered in a review of curriculum and assessment in England.

Published:
Download the full signed statement

The Education Renewed summit held on June 14th, 2024, saw education staff come together with sector leaders from think tanks, charities, unions and professional associations to discuss the state of the education sector and agree priorities ahead of the general election. 

The summit was attended by more than 120 delegates who discussed issues ranging from child poverty to the education workforce.

One of the key breakout sessions at the summit covered principles for curriculum and assessment renewal in England. The discussion was held in the context of growing evidence for the need for reform. Recent research has shown that 54% of teachers reported that they had to amend their timetable to focus on maths and English, while The numbers taking GCSEs in Arts subjects have almost halved since 2010 and more than 4 in every 5 primary teachers report having less time now for teaching arts-based subjects.

Those in attendance, including the newly announced chair of the review Professor Becky Francis, discussed the key principles which they believed should be considered in a review of curriculum and assessment in England. These principles have been published as agreed by the experts listed on the statement. As the new government has committed to working with experts to propose reforms, this statement demonstrates the breadth of consensus around the direction of travel.

The Education Renewed summit made clear that there is significant consensus about the changes and improvements needed in the education system. This consensus demonstrates a strength of belief in the principles shared and the wide stakeholder support for the types of changes they describe.

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