From December 2024 to January 2025, in our call for evidence, we asked young people from KS1 to KS5 what they like, dislike, and what could be better about what they learn and how they are assessed at school. This report is based on over 550 responses from individuals and groups of young people across England and highlights a number of concerns young people have about their education system. The report also sets out our recommendations that we hope the Government Curriculum and Assessment Review will take forward.
One key theme young people from across all ages consistently brought up was feeling like their learning isn’t relevant to modern life. Respondents feel that some of what they are taught is “outdated”, and in some cases factually incorrect, whilst life skills such as, "cooking" and "managing money" aren’t taught at all or in enough depth.
A similar theme that emerged was respondents stating that they struggle to engage with their learning and would prefer more practical or interactive lessons and assessments, allowing them to practice skills and truly get involved with the subjects at hand rather than “simply staring at a screen”.
Young people also requested an increased emphasis on nature, sustainability, and climate change. They described feeling unprepared to deal with climate change on a personal level and in their careers, that their education isn’t keeping up with the scientific knowledge or the ways jobs and society will change to adapt to or mitigate climate change. Some respondents asked for more time interacting with nature, both to learn about the natural world, and to help reduce the stress they feel at school.
A third theme students brought up was the lack of diversity and inclusivity in what they learn and how they learn. Disabled respondents reported having to “fight to get access arrangements” in lessons and assessments. Other respondents described lessons having too much focus on Britain and "the West" or having a “one-sided perspective” and ignoring other cultures.
The final, and perhaps most prominent, theme was young people experiencing overwhelming stress and anxiety as a result of exams and the pressure surrounding them. Multiple respondents disclosed that they or other students have had to turn to physically dangerous coping methods to deal with the level of stress their education, especially GCSEs, can cause them.
It’s clear that young people want to connect with what they are learning: they want content which is relevant to life today and tomorrow and they want to practice the skills their classes teach them about. They want to learn more about the world around them and beyond - they want their education to prepare them to deal with climate change and respectfully inform them about people and cultures outside the UK and Europe. Students want to learn, but wish it left them inspired rather than burnt-out.
We will continue to amplify youth perspectives in the coming months through regional roadshows and expert roundtables focused on the key themes in this report. A final report, set to be published in early summer 2025, will provide further insights and concrete recommendations.