Response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review

In November 2024, The Bell Foundation submitted a response to inform the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review Panel of the key findings of the nationwide survey and recommendations from education leaders, focusing on learners who use English as an Additional Language (EAL) from KS1 to KS5. Namely, the submission outlines:

Key Challenges:

• Inflexible curriculum that struggles to meet the needs of late-arrival EAL learners.
• Early focus on writing and grammar, which can hinder progress.
• Standardised assessments that fail to reflect EAL learners’ abilities.
• Rigid qualification pathways and outdated ESOL frameworks limiting opportunities.

Recommendations:

• Flexible curriculum to meet diverse needs, especially for late arrivals.
• Culturally responsive teaching to foster inclusion.
• Holistic assessments that better capture EAL learners’ skills.
• Modular exams for flexible progression.
• Updated ESOL qualifications to support language development.

These recommendations aim to ensure that EAL learners are better supported and able to thrive in the education system.