Curriculum policy: model and examples
Download and adapt our model curriculum policy. Plus, see examples from primary, secondary and special schools, and know where to go for more information on your requirements if you're an independent school.
Contents
Download our model policy
Our model:
- Takes account of relevant requirements, guidance and good practice
- Is aimed at maintained schools and academies
- Can be adapted to suit other settings (if you wish to use it in a different setting such as an independent school, we recommend you check it against any requirements or considerations specific to your context and adapt it accordingly – see below)
- Is approved by Forbes Solicitors
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.
Updates to our model policy
We updated section 3.1 to reflect the change in law in September 2022. Schools must now offer careers guidance for pupils in years 7 to 13 (previously it was in years 8 to 13).
See examples from state schools
Primary maintained schools
Primary academies
Secondary maintained schools
Secondary academies
Special school
- Merefield School, Sefton
- Fordwater School, Chichester, West Sussex (scroll to the bottom of the page)
Independent schools are required to have a written curriculum policy
It must meet 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.
Independent school examples
- Taunton School, Somerset (separate policies for different phases)
- The Webber Independent School, Milton Keynes
Independent special school examples
If you're reviewing your curriculum...
Take a look at our article on how to review your curriculum if you decide to adapt, change or review yours.
You'll find guidance on how to structure the process, as well as tools and questions to ask yourself to help you.
