Government Announces Plans to Strengthen Climate and Sustainability Education in Schools

Government Announces Plans to Strengthen Climate and Sustainability Education in Schools

The UK Government has announced a major step forward in climate and sustainability education, following recommendations from the Curriculum and Assessment Review. Led by Professor Becky Francis, CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation, the review identified gaps in how scientific principles behind climate change and the impact of human behaviour on the environment are currently taught.

In response, the government has committed to reforming the curriculum across both primary and secondary schools. A key focus will be revising the design and technology curriculum, as well as GCSE subject content, to embed sustainability concepts more deeply.

This move has been welcomed by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), which described the plans as “real progress” towards integrating sustainability and circular economy principles into mainstream education. CIWM highlighted the opportunity to equip young people with the mindset and skills needed for careers in the green and resource management sectors.
However, CIWM also emphasised the importance of involving industry experts in the next phase of curriculum development to ensure the content aligns with future workforce needs. They stressed that adequate resources, teacher training, and clear pathways for 16–19 education will be essential to delivering these ambitions effectively.

Dr Adam Read MBE, Chief Sustainability and External Affairs Officer at SUEZ UK, added:
“Understanding sustainability, resource management, and the environmental challenges our children will face is no longer optional; it’s a fundamental life skill for the next generation of consumers, innovators, and employees. These reforms will help schools move beyond simply teaching about the climate emergency—they’ll prepare students to be part of the solution and introduce them to the careers that will drive the UK’s net zero transition.”