Big changes are coming to what children learn in school in England, and most will start in September 2028. These changes were highlighted in a government report published in November 2025, which it believes will result in a curriculum that is clearer, fairer, and better for today’s world.
Below are key points from the report that most parents need to know:
- A richer, broader curriculum
Every child will get more time for arts, music, sport, drama, trips, and learning life skills like cooking, money management, and debating. Schools will have to offer these things – it’s no longer optional.
- Stronger focus on reading, writing, speaking, and maths
Children will keep learning grammar and times tables, but there will be even more help with reading and clear speaking (oracy). There will be a new national reading check in Year 8 (age 12-13), so parents can see how their child is doing when they start secondary school.
- New topics added
Children will learn about climate change, personal finance, online safety, and staying healthy – woven into normal lessons rather than as extras.
- GCSEs will be shorter and fairer
From 2029, GCSE exams will take less time overall (2-3 fewer hours of tests). The government wants teenagers to have a wider choice of subjects instead of being pushed into just the EBacc subjects (like languages).
- Better options after 16
There will be a new “V Level” route for job-focused courses that is as respected as A-levels, and clearer paths for students who need to retake English and maths.
- More help for children who need it
Teachers will get extra training on special needs (SEND), and there’s new money to make sure disadvantaged children still get music lessons, sports clubs, and trips.
- Schools open longer
All state schools will have to be open at least 32.5 hours a week (about 6.5 hours a day) and run for the full five days.
The changes will come in slowly: new primary and secondary curriculum details out in 2027, first teaching from 2028, new GCSEs from 2029. The aim is simple – give every child, wherever they live and whatever their background, a better all-round education and stronger basic skills.
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