Alliance responds to publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review

Today’s publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report sets out a series of wide ranging recommendations for reform of the national curriculum and in particular to the teaching of physical education (PE) and dance in schools.

Commissioned by Government and led by an expert Review Panel, the Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report sets out a series of recommendations for Government to consider with a view to a revised national curriculum coming into effect in 2028.

Responding to the report, Alliance CEO Lisa Wainwright MBE said:

“We welcome today’s report and in particular the recognition of the importance of continued access to competitive sport in schools as part of a broad, balanced and inclusive offer and the need to ensure the quality of PE and dance provision in schools is more consistent.

“We also welcome the specific recommendations to:

• Refresh the purpose of PE, retaining the importance of competitive sports but clarifying the importance of opportunities for children to learn in a physical environment and emphasising its physical, social, cognitive and emotional benefits.
• Give greater emphasis to specific activities such as dance, swimming and outdoor activity as part of the PE curriculum.
• Introduce a clearer and more structured approach to what pupils should learn at each key stage, supporting the development of physical skills in contexts, sports and activities that become more challenging as children progress.
• Review the current GCSE PE activity list to ensure it can be made more inclusive for all students, especially for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Review how Dance is reflected in the PE Programmes of Study to identify further changes to support high-quality teaching and students’ progression, including to further study.

“These reflect many of the points we raised in our submission to the Review earlier this year and it is positive to see them reflected in the final report.

“We and our members stand ready to support Government in taking forward these proposals alongside wider reforms including the new School Sport Partnerships and Enrichment Framework. Taken together these present a real opportunity to strengthen and renew the role of PE and school sport in the lives of our children and young people.”

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