Summary: The UK Government has announced a major reform to the national curriculum, committing to integrate climate change and sustainability education across primary and secondary schools. The move follows the Curriculum and Assessment Review led by Professor Becky Francis, which identified critical gaps in scientific understanding and environmental awareness among students.
Curriculum Reform Highlights
Responding to the review’s recommendations, the Department for Education confirmed that:
- The design and technology curriculum will be revised to include sustainability principles.
- GCSE subject content will be updated to reflect the scientific causes of climate change and the impact of human behaviour on the environment.
- The reforms aim to equip students with the skills and mindset needed for careers in the green economy and to support the UK’s net zero transition.
Professor Francis, CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation, emphasized that the current curriculum lacks a coherent framework for teaching the scientific basis of climate change, calling for a more integrated approach to environmental education.
Industry and Expert Reactions
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) welcomed the reforms as “real progress” toward embedding circular economy principles in education. A CIWM spokesperson noted that the changes present a “significant opportunity” to prepare young people for future roles in resource management and sustainability sectors.
However, CIWM also stressed the importance of:
- Industry engagement in curriculum development
- Adequate resourcing and teacher training
- Clear pathways for 16–19 education to ensure continuity and relevance
Dr Adam Read MBE, Chief Sustainability and External Affairs Officer at SUEZ UK, described the reforms as essential:
“Understanding sustainability, resource management, and the environmental challenges our children will face is no longer optional; it is a fundamental life skill.”
He added that the curriculum must not only teach about the climate emergency, but also prepare students to be innovators and problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world.
Strategic Implications
The reforms are part of a broader effort to modernise the UK’s education system and align it with future workforce needs. By embedding sustainability across subjects, the government aims to foster a generation that is climate-literate, solution-oriented, and career-ready for the green transition.
The changes are expected to roll out over the next academic cycles, with further consultation involving educators, industry leaders, and curriculum specialists.
In short: The UK’s decision to integrate climate change and sustainability education into the national curriculum marks a pivotal shift in preparing students for the environmental and economic challenges of the future. Experts say it’s a vital step—but success will depend on industry collaboration, teacher support, and long-term investment.
Source: Circular Online – Government to add climate change education to school curriculum Circular Online.
