The CBI responds to the Curriculum and Assessment Review

The CBI recently responded to the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review, providing an employer’s perspective on the national curriculum and assessment system in England. A fit-for-purpose education system is crucial for smooth school-to-work transitions and developing baseline skills for the workplace.

Consultation with CBI members highlighted three key themes:

Transferable skills

• Critical for businesses across the economy
• Include communication, problem-solving and critical thinking
• Should be more embedded into the curriculum
• Confidence in young people’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills is low

Vocational subjects

• Growing demand for skilled workers in technical and creative fields
• Embedding vocational subjects early provides practical, job-ready skills
• Helps students explore career paths and understand job market requirements
• Importance of improving STEM education to support an innovation-led economy

Digital skills and AI in assessments

• Emphasis needed on digital skills within the curriculum
• Businesses see a need for enhanced digital skills in the workforce
• Support for integrating AI in assessments for better preparation and feedback
• Automating low-stakes assessments can free up time for teachers

These steps highlight the importance of integrating transferable, vocational and digital skills into education to better prepare students for the future workforce.

Following the end date for evidence submission to the Curriculum and Assessment Review, all responses will be reviewed to identify key themes and insights with an interim report due to be published in early 2025, outlining initial recommendations.

A review team will then explore specific areas in more detail, leading to a final report with comprehensive recommendations to be published in the autumn of 2025.

If members have any further questions or wish to continue to stay in touch with the review, please contact Robert West.