Commenting on the publication of the interim findings of the Curriculum and Assessment Review, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, said:

“The Review's interim report deserves to be considered carefully. In moving on to the next phase of the review it will be critical that the voices and experiences of teachers are central to the testing of the interim conclusions and in the Review's further work towards the development of its recommendations. ​​

“NASUWT members have been clear that, too often, current arrangements for curriculum, assessment and qualifications are not fit for purpose. They report that the curriculum is difficult to manage and creates barriers to meeting the needs of every pupil, including those with special and additional needs as well as other vulnerabilities.

“For many learners, the curriculum they experience exacerbates disaffection and disengagement from education and can be a significant contributor to behaviour and attendance problems. This curriculum lacks genuine breadth and balance and pushes many subjects, including artistic and creative areas of study, to its margins. 

“The workforce in schools is facing unprecedented pressures, particularly in relation to workload, that make the climate for effective and sustainable change especially challenging. There can be no meaningful reform to the curriculum, qualifications and assessment system without a step-change in the working conditions of teachers and leaders and a comprehensive package of support, including training and professional development.

“We look forward to further engagement with the Review as its work continues and will lend our support to any proposals that would deliver the curriculum and assessment framework that children, young people and their teachers deserve.”