New review calls for lessons on life skills as schools face biggest reform in years

A sweeping review of England’s school curriculum has called for pupils to be taught more real-world skills, including financial literacy, climate awareness and digital confidence.

The Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR), commissioned by the Department for Education and led by Professor Becky Francis CBE, marks the most significant overhaul in over a decade. Published today, it sets out proposals designed to better prepare students for modern life and work.

Among its recommendations are a stronger emphasis on oracy, sustainability and media literacy—areas that have often been side-lined in traditional schooling but are increasingly recognised as essential in a rapidly evolving world.

Camborne Science and International Academy (CSIA), part of the Athena Learning Trust, has welcomed the review’s findings and said it supports efforts to make the curriculum more relevant to today’s students.

Emma Haase, Principal of CSIA, said: “This review is a welcome step forward. Our children are growing up in a fast-changing world, and their education must reflect that. We’re pleased to see a stronger focus on real-world skills like financial literacy, climate awareness, and digital confidence. These are not extras, they’re essentials.”

She added: “At CSIA, we’re already embedding these themes into our curriculum, and we’re excited to see national policy moving in the same direction.”

The review, developed in 2024 following extensive consultation with parents, teachers, pupils, employers and other stakeholders, aims to ensure the national curriculum supports excellence while removing barriers to opportunity.

The Department for Education has not yet confirmed when or how the changes will be implemented in schools across the country.