In November 2025, the UK government published the final Curriculum and Assessment Review, setting out a long-term vision for a more focused, coherent and inclusive education system. Although implementation will take place gradually, the Review sends a strong and welcome message: curriculum and assessment must better support all learners, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
For schools, this provides both clarity and opportunity. Long-standing challenges around accessibility, curriculum overload and assessment barriers are finally being addressed, with reforms aimed at improving equity and outcomes.
Below, we outline the four key areas of the Review most relevant to SEND.
One of the Review’s major themes is a shift toward mastery-focused learning. Instead of fast-paced coverage, the curriculum will prioritise secure understanding of essential concepts.
A more focused curriculum makes learning more accessible, particularly for pupils who require additional structure and consolidation.
The Review acknowledges that teachers often lack consistent or practical guidance on how to adapt content for SEND learners. To address this, the DfE will develop evidence-led guidance to support high-quality curriculum adaptation.
This shift reinforces adaptation as a proactive part of planning, not a reactive add-on.
Assessment has long been an area where SEND learners face additional barriers. The Review outlines positive steps to make assessments more accessible and meaningful.
Earlier identification at Key Stage 3 gives schools valuable time to intervene before learners enter high-stakes qualification years.
The Review responds to concerns that existing post-16 routes - particularly repeated GCSE resits - do not meet the needs of many SEND learners.
These alternatives provide more meaningful, motivating progression routes for learners with a wide range of needs and strengths.
Although full curriculum implementation is expected for first teaching in England from 2028, early preparation will make transition smoother and more effective.
Schools may want to begin reviewing:
These priorities can feel extensive, especially when reforms are still in the early stages of rollout. To support schools in planning with confidence, we’ve created a comprehensive SEND Reform Readiness Planning Guide that breaks these actions down into clear, practical steps.
Our readiness guide outlines key planning actions across curriculum, assessment, CPD, interventions and post-16 pathways - all aligned with the Review’s timeline.
Download the Guide.
A practical planning tool for SENCOs, SLT and MAT leaders.
The direction of the Review aligns closely with the strengths of our SEN management platform. We help schools:
As schools transition to deeper learning, earlier diagnostics and more inclusive pathways, having a robust SEN system becomes essential.
The Curriculum Review 2025 sets an ambitious vision for a more equitable and accessible education system. For SEND learners, the reforms mark a meaningful step towards better outcomes, fairer assessment, and a curriculum designed for deeper understanding.
Schools that begin planning now will be well positioned to make the most of the changes ahead, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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Explore the Curriculum Review 2025 and its impact on SEND. Learn how the reforms aim to improve curriculum access, assessment, adaptations and post-16 pathways - and what schools can do now to prepare.
Download PDFExplore the Curriculum Review 2025 and its impact on SEND. Learn how the reforms aim to improve curriculum access, assessment, adaptations and post-16 pathways - and what schools can do now to prepare.
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