HEPI Report: England’s Curriculum Falls Short in Preparing Students for Life
The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) has published a new report titled One Step Beyond: How the school and college curriculum in England can prepare young people for higher education, examining how well the school and college curriculum prepares students for university. Based on the findings of a survey involving 1,105 university students, the report aims to contribute to the Curriculum and Assessment Review.
According to the research, 83% of students believe the curriculum has prepared them well for university, while only 38% feel their education has made them “ready for life and work.” Additionally, 63% of students think more vocational skills should be included in the curriculum, 52% advocate for stronger digital/IT skills, and 49% emphasize the need for more focus on oral communication skills. Meanwhile, the majority of students oppose compulsory English (73%) and Mathematics (70%) until the age of 18.
Among the surveyed students, 39% believe that the number of assessments is excessive, while 48% think the current system is adequate, and 10% feel that more assessments are needed. Notably, female students and those with special educational needs (SEND) report that exams do not adequately prepare them for higher education or allow them to fully demonstrate their potential.
Gaps in financial education and career guidance are also evident. Nearly 59% of students believe financial and budgeting education should be improved, and 44% want more education on career pathways.
The report recommends placing greater emphasis on digital skills, oral communication, and critical thinking; integrating creative subjects into the English Baccalaureate curriculum; broadening post-16 education so that students can take four or five subjects instead of just three; maintaining BTEC programs rather than defunding them; and reducing the number and intensity of assessments. Additionally, it proposes ensuring that every student receives one-on-one career counseling to assist with their educational and career planning.