Curriculum policy: model and examples

Download our model policy

Our model:

• Takes account of relevant requirements, guidance and good practice
• Is aimed at maintained schools and academies, but can be adapted to suit other settings (if you wish to use it in a different setting, we recommend you check it against any requirements or considerations specific to your context and adapt it accordingly)
• Is approved by Forbes Solicitors

Model policy - curriculum DOC, 179.0 KB Download

Please note: unless you're an independent school (in which case, see the final section below), you're not required to have a curriculum policy and Ofsted doesn't expect you to have one. Read about how Ofsted inspects your curriculum and see this article to stay up to date with all things Ofsted.

School examples

Primary maintained schools

• Cornerstone Primary School, Hampshire
• Woodlands Primary School, Kent

Primary academies

• Hookstone Chase Primary School, North Yorkshire
• Bowes Primary School, Enfield
• GEMS Twickenham Primary Academy, Richmond upon Thames

Secondary maintained schools

• JFS School, Brent
• Friern Barnet School, Barnet

Secondary academies

• Wrotham School, Kent
• Alderman Peel High School, Norfolk

Special schools

• Primary: Bright Futures School for children with autism, Oldham
• Secondary: Woodlands Secondary School in Luton

Independent schools: your curriculum policy requirements are different

You're required to have a written curriculum policy that meets the requirements set out in Part 1 of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. 

You can find detailed guidance on each line of the regulations, and what they mean for your curriculum policy, in Part 1 of this DfE guidance on the independent school standards.

Examples from independent schools

• The Independent Grammar School: Durham
• The New Forest Small School, Hampshire
• The Webber Independent School, Milton Keynes