Commenting on government plans to make Key Stage 3 a distinct education phase, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"We welcome government’s commitment to a slimmer, more engaging curriculum that fosters a genuine love of learning at every stage. Recognising Key Stage 3 as a distinct phase in education is an important step towards ensuring young people benefit from a broad and enriching curriculum free from the pressures of terminal exams.
"However, curriculum reform alone will not be enough. Schools are operating in a system that rewards early GCSE preparation, incentivises teaching to the test and prioritises exam outcomes above all else. If ministers are serious about creating space for deeper learning, they must also ensure substantial reductions in GCSE content and change the accountability structures that drive curriculum narrowing. Greater trust in teachers’ professional judgement, alongside these reforms, will create space for the broad, rich education that all young people deserve."