AI awareness drives major computing curriculum reform in England

England is reforming its computing curriculum to place AI awareness and digital literacy at the centre of education. The move follows recommendations from an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, which concluded that the current framework is too narrow for today’s digital environment and requires a stronger focus on data skills, online safety, and critical thinking.

The reform aims to modernise qualifications while strengthening the UK’s future digital talent pipeline. By embedding AI and digital competencies across the curriculum, the government seeks to equip learners with skills relevant to further study, employment, and participation in a technology-driven society.

The British Computer Society (BCS) has been appointed by the Department for Education to lead the drafting of the new Computing curriculum. The organisation will oversee revisions across key stages 1 to 5, ensuring alignment with classroom practice and developments in the wider digital profession.

A broader Computing GCSE will replace the current Computer Science GCSE, integrating technical foundations with digital literacy and responsible technology use. In addition, the government is exploring a new Level 3 qualification in Data Science and AI, with a public consultation expected later this year to shape the final reforms.

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