Fiducia TogetherNational curriculum
The subjects and content maintained schools must teach. Academies are not bound by it.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
The national curriculum sets out the programmes of study and attainment targets for each subject at each key stage.
It is a framework rather than a timetable — it says what must be taught, not how or for how long.
Where it applies
Maintained schools. Academies, free schools and independent schools are exempt, but all schools must offer a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes pupils' development and prepares them for adult life.
How it works
Core subjects are English, maths and science. Foundation subjects vary by key stage. Religious education must be taught in all state schools, and relationships education, relationships and sex education and health education are compulsory with their own rules about parental withdrawal.
What you can ask for
Ask to see the curriculum for your child's year. Schools must publish it.
Ask what is being adapted, not what is being missed. A child withdrawn from a subject to do an intervention is losing that subject, and it is worth knowing which one and for how long.
Where to get help
GOV.UK, and the school's own curriculum pages.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.