What the 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review Means for Your Child’s Science Learning

In November 2025, the government published a review of the school curriculum and assessments — the first major review in over a decade. Its purpose is to make sure children learn science in a way that is clear, practical, and relevant for the future.

We know parents may feel concerned about what this means for their children, so here’s a simple explanation — and the good news is: most changes won’t happen overnight, giving schools and families plenty of time to adjust.

🧪 1. A Clearer Science Curriculum

The review encourages schools to focus on core scientific concepts, rather than an overwhelming list of topics. For your child, this means:

• Lessons that build understanding step by step

• Science connected to the real world, not just memorising facts

• Less confusion or gaps between year groups

When this starts: Gradual changes will begin over the next few years, with full implementation at different stages expected from 2028 onwards.

🧬 2. More Opportunities to Take Triple Science

Currently, many students take Combined Science (worth 2 GCSEs), while only some take Triple Science (separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). The review plans to make Triple Science accessible to all students who want it.

For your child, this means:

• More options if they enjoy science or may want to pursue STEM subjects in the future

• A chance to develop deeper understanding in each science subject

When this starts: Schools will need time to prepare, so these changes are expected gradually, with opportunities growing in the late 2020s.

🧫 3. More Practical, Hands-On Science

Science lessons will include more experiments and hands-on activities, helping students learn by doing.

Your child can expect:

• Lessons that are engaging and interactive

• Science concepts becoming easier to understand through practical experiments

• Skills that go beyond exams, like problem-solving and reasoning

When this starts: This is being encouraged immediately, but how it is implemented may vary by school in the coming years.

🌍 4. Climate and Sustainability Education

The review highlights the importance of understanding climate change and sustainability.

For students, this means:

• Learning science in ways that connect to real-world challenges

• Understanding how science relates to everyday life and the environment

When this starts: Schools will gradually introduce these topics over the next few years, so your child will adapt naturally to these lessons.

🕰 5. Smooth Transition Across Year Groups

The review aims to make sure science knowledge builds logically from primary through secondary school.

For parents, this is reassuring because it means:

• Fewer gaps in learning when moving between year groups

• Clearer expectations of what your child should know at each stage

• Reduced stress around exams and assessments

When this starts: Schools will phase in these improvements gradually over the next few years.

✅ Bottom Line for Parents

There’s no need to worry. The review is designed to support your child’s learning, not disrupt it. While it will bring exciting improvements to science education, these changes will be phased in over time, giving teachers, schools, and families time to prepare.

In the meantime, your child’s lessons will continue much as they are now, with gradual improvements making science clearer, more practical, and more enjoyable.

Think of it as a step-by-step upgrade to science education — designed to help your child thrive, not to add stress.