Education in the UK
You don’t have to go to school! If you’re interested in home schooling, I write about it in [here]
Brief summary of the bodies setting the curricula for each country:
England: The National Curriculum (introduced in 1988) is compulsory for all state-maintained schools. Academies and free schools have more freedom but often use it as a framework. It is only statutory in England.
Wales: Followed the National Curriculum until recently. It has now been replaced by the new Curriculum for Wales 2022, which is broader and more skills-based.
Scotland: Has never used the National Curriculum. It has its own framework called Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), introduced in the early 2000s. Uses the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) exclusively for maths and sciences at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher.
Northern Ireland: Has its own Northern Ireland Curriculum, similar in structure but distinct in content and priorities.
The English National Curriculum
Aims to:
Provide a broad and balanced education for all pupils.
Ensure consistency so that children across the country study similar content.
Set out clear expectations of what pupils should know, understand, and be able to do at each Key Stage.
Prepare young people for life and work, supporting both academic and personal development.
Powers and scope
The National Curriculum applies by law to state-maintained schools in England.
Academies and free schools are not legally bound to follow it in full, though most still use it (at least in core subjects like English, maths, and science) to align with exams.
It specifies programmes of study (what is to be taught) and attainment targets (expected standards).
It shapes GCSEs and A-levels, since exam boards design their specifications to be compatible with curriculum requirements.
Linked organisations
Department for Education (DfE): Sets the National Curriculum policy and oversees updates.
Ofsted: Inspects schools and checks how broadly and effectively the curriculum is delivered.
Exam boards (e.g. AQA, Edexcel, OCR): Develop GCSE and A-level syllabuses that reflect the National Curriculum’s content and aims.
Schools and local authorities: Implement and adapt the curriculum within the framework provided.
Teachers’ professional bodies and subject associations: Influence consultation and revision processes.
Exam boards
1. AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
Largest exam board in England.
Offers GCSEs, A-levels, and vocational qualifications.
Widely used across England, especially in state schools.
Known for large entry numbers and extensive resources.
2. Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel)
Part of Pearson, a private company.
Offers GCSEs, A-levels, and BTECs (vocational qualifications).
Strong presence in both UK and international schools (Edexcel International GCSEs are common overseas).
3. OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations)
Part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Provides GCSEs, A-levels, and vocational qualifications.
Often chosen by schools valuing its links to academic heritage.
Smaller market share than AQA or Edexcel, but still significant.
4. WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee) / Eduqas
WJEC is the main exam board in Wales.
In England, its qualifications are marketed under the Eduqas brand.
Strong in Wales; limited but growing presence in England.
5. CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment)
The sole exam board for Northern Ireland.
Provides GCSEs and A-levels aligned to the Northern Ireland Curriculum.