Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to consider introducing a range of alternative assessment methods to exams in schools.

The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, covering ages 5 to 18, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE, an expert in education policy, including curriculum and social inequality. The Review is evaluating the existing national curriculum and statutory assessment system in England, to ensure they are fit for purpose.

The Review’s Interim Report, published in March 2025, is clear that traditional examined assessment should remain the primary means of assessment. The Review will take a subject-by-subject approach to consider assessment fitness for purpose and consider the impact of different assessment methods on teaching and learning.

The Review’s final report and recommendations will be published in the autumn, and the department will take decisions on what changes to make in light of these recommendations.