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All statutory guidance and legislation published on this site continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated otherwise.

About the secondary curriculum

The curriculum should inspire and challenge all learners and prepare them for the future.

The new secondary curriculum was introduced in September 2008 as part of a major reforms of 11-19 education and qualifications. 

This curriculum will help children and young people to make progress, to participate and to achieve. It is central to school improvement, standards and behaviour and attendance. In 2013 the raising the participation age programme starts - all young people will continue to take part in education or training to the age of 17. 

The curriculum's aim is to enable all young people to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens who:

  • achieve high standards and make better progress in subjects and sector-related learning
  • have and be able to use high-quality personal, learning and thinking skills
  • have, and be able to use, high-quality functional skills
  • become more engaged, motivated and committed to their learning
  • engage more effectively and deeply with learning to the age of 19 and beyond.

The National Curriculum website contains the statutory programmes of study and attainment targets for key stages 1-4 in England. It also includes exemplification of national standards in foundation subjects.

Last modified: 21 Dec 2010

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