Consultation on (i) the order for replacing ICT with computing and (ii) the regulations for disapplying aspects of the existing national curriculum

On 7 February 2013 the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education, launched a public consultation on the government’s proposal for the reform of the national curriculum. The consultation closed on 16 April 2013 and included:

• a proposal to replace the foundation subject of information and communication technology (ICT) with computing at all four key stages
• a proposal to disapply certain aspects of the existing national curriculum for a limited period from September 2013.

Having carefully considered the responses to the consultation, as well as a range of other relevant factors, the government has confirmed that it plans to replace the national curriculum foundation subject of ICT with computing at all four key stages and disapply the aspects of existing programmes of study, attainment targets and statutory assessment arrangements from September 2013 for a set time.

The government has undertaken a single consultation which sought representations on the draft order and draft regulations required to bring these changes into effect. The consultation was conducted under section 96 of the Education Act 2002. The reports summarising the consultation responses received on these matters have now been published.