Major Curriculum Changes in England: Finance, AI, and Exams
Children in England will soon learn practical skills like managing personal finances and understanding mortgages, as part of major reforms to the national curriculum. The changes aim to better prepare students for modern life and future challenges.
Key Learning Additions
- Financial literacy, including saving and mortgage basics
- Understanding artificial intelligence
- Recognising and avoiding disinformation and fake news
- Online safety and digital awareness
Government’s Vision
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that the government seeks to
“revitalise the curriculum”and modernise education to align with new national qualifications known as V Levels. The revised curriculum will take effect in 2028.
Exam Structure Overhaul
The Government also plans to reduce the average time students spend on GCSE exams by around three hours, describing the current exam load as excessive. It will ensure all pupils have access to three science GCSEs, while the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) qualification will be discontinued.
Expert Insight
“We are an international outlier in the number and volume of exams we have at age 16; only Singapore is anywhere near us,”
said Professor Becky Francis, who leads the curriculum review. She added,
“We do want to try and bring that down.”
Summary
The curriculum reform in England introduces finance, AI, and digital literacy while streamlining exams to create a modern, balanced education system from 2028.
Author’s summary: The UK’s 2028 curriculum reform focuses on practical life skills, digital awareness, and reducing exam overload to modernize student learning.