Education 2028: The Future Starts Now -> A 5-Year Action Plan for Change

Curriculum and Assessment

The countdown has begun. In 2028, the UK will introduce a new national curriculum — the most ambitious education reform in more than a decade.

But this is more than a policy update.
It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine what learning means in a world shaped by technology, creativity, and rapid change.

👉 Read the official announcement: New curriculum to give young people the skills for life and work - GOV.UK

What’s Changing -> and Why It Matters

The government’s vision is clear: to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in the future.

Key changes include:

A brand-new national curriculum published by 2027, ready for first teaching in 2028.
End of the EBacc, creating space for arts, vocational, and technical pathways.
Citizenship education compulsory in primary schools, covering digital literacy, financial awareness, and online safety.
Triple Science offered in every secondary school, ensuring equal access to advanced science learning.
A redesigned computing curriculum, introducing data science and AI pathways.
Digital-first curriculum materials, making national content adaptive and machine-readable.

This isn’t just a curriculum reform — it’s a blueprint for the future of education.

Why Schools Can’t Wait Until 2028

The temptation might be to think, "We have time." But meaningful transformation takes years — and it starts now.

Ask yourself:

Are we preparing children for their future or our past?
Do our lessons reflect the realities of AI, global citizenship, and rapid change?
How can we make learning more meaningful, creative, and connected to real life?

The next three years are not about compliance.
They’re about courage, creativity, and leadership.

A 5-Year Strategy: From Vision to Action

To make the most of this opportunity, schools can follow a clear, phased approach.
Here’s how to lead the journey from preparation to impact:

2025 – Foundation Year: Prepare and Audit

Understand the upcoming changes and what they mean for your setting.
Audit your curriculum for gaps in digital literacy, citizenship, and future skills.
Create a leadership task force to drive the transformation.
Engage parents, governors, and employers in conversations about “skills for life and work.”

2026 – Integration Year: Begin Future Skills

Start embedding future-focused projects — financial literacy, sustainability, AI awareness.
Pilot interdisciplinary learning that connects science, computing, and problem-solving.
Upgrade technology infrastructure to support adaptive and digital-first learning.
Begin professional development for staff in data literacy and digital pedagogy.

2027 – Alignment Year: Prepare for the New Curriculum

Review the official curriculum once published and map it against your school vision.
Update schemes of work to integrate computing, citizenship, and arts pathways.
Communicate your curriculum redesign clearly with staff and parents.
Host workshops to prepare teachers and share the school’s direction of travel.

2028 – Implementation Year: Launch Boldly

Deliver the new curriculum with clarity and confidence.
Support teachers through coaching, collaborative planning, and peer review.
Use adaptive digital resources to personalise learning.
Celebrate innovation through student showcases, community partnerships, and storytelling.

2029 – Impact Year: Evaluate and Innovate

Review curriculum impact — student outcomes, engagement, and wellbeing.
Use feedback and data to refine your next phase of innovation.
Build lasting partnerships with local employers, universities, and civic organisations.
Look ahead: how will you continue to innovate in sustainability, AI, and global citizenship?