With change comes uncertainty and the promise of a refreshed national curriculum in 2028, informed by the government's Curriculum and Assessment Review’s final report and the government’s response to it, is no exception. Although the landscape ahead may seem complex – shifting curriculum expectations, redefined accountability measures, and the ever-present pressure to maintain high standards – the best way forward is not to throw baby out with the bathwater, but to act thoughtfully, strategically, and incrementally. The secret to sustained success is evolutionary improvement, not revolutionary disruption. In the time leading up to the new curriculum, school leaders should audit their curriculum offer, assess breadth and depth, strengthen the core of English, maths, and science, plan for computational and digital skills, develop language pathways, and maintain creative and humanities exposure.
The review and the government response make it clear: change is coming, but it is designed to build on what already works. High standards are non-negotiable, but so is breadth. Every pupil, regardless of background or ability, deserves access to a rich, deep, and coherent curriculum. And, critically, this isn’t about piling on extra workload. The emphasis is on supporting teachers, strengthening foundations, and evolving practice in a sustainable way. That is the approach taken in this half day masterclass from education expert Matt Bromley. The course will offer practical advice on how to navigate the journey ahead so that schools are fully prepared for the changes when they arrive.
By the end of this masterclass, you will be able to:
Summarise the key conclusions of the Curriculum and Assessment Review and understand the government's response
Audit their current curriculum offer and identify priorities for development
Take immediate, practical steps to strengthen breadth, depth, and equity across the curriculum
Plan a phased, manageable approach to curriculum change across 2025/26, 2026/27, and 2027/28
Support and develop their staff through the transition in a sustainable, workload-conscious way
Ensure their school is fully prepared and confident when the new curriculum arrives in 2028
FACILITATOR
Matt Bromley is CEO of bee and Chair of the Building Equity in Education Campaign. He is an education journalist, author, and advisor with twenty five years’ experience in teaching and leadership including as a secondary school headteacher and academy principal, further education college vice principal, and multi-academy trust director.
Matt is a public speaker, trainer, initial teacher training lecturer, and school improvement advisor. He remains a practising teacher, currently working in secondary, FE and HE settings.
Matt writes for various education magazines including SecEd and Headteacher Update, and he is a columnist on The Yorkshire Post. He is the author of numerous best-selling books on education and he co-hosts an award winning podcast.
