Committee publication · Correspondence · 16 June 2026
Letter from Minister for School Standards on Launch of the natural history GCSE subject content consultation dated 11.06.26
From: Education Committee
Summary
Minister for School Standards Georgia Gould notifies the Education Committee that the Department for Education will launch a 12-week public consultation on 12 June 2026 on proposed subject content for a new GCSE in natural history. The consultation follows the March 2025 commitment to consult after the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, with content developed with subject experts, awarding organisations and key partners.
Key findings
- Consultation runs 12 weeks from 12 June to 4 September 2026 on proposed natural history GCSE subject content
- Development has involved subject experts, awarding organisations and key partners to ensure robust and rigorous draft content
- Course aims to equip young people with skills and knowledge to understand the natural world, access green careers, and contribute to environmental protection locally, nationally and internationally
- Aligns with government ambition for children to receive rich, broad and innovative education preparing them for life and work in a changing world
Tone
ProceduralTopics
education-policycurriculum-reformgcseenvironmental-educationgreen-skills
Key actors
Georgia Gould OBE MP, Helen Hayes MP, Department for Education, Curriculum and Assessment Review
Notable line
“Children and young people need the skills and knowledge to understand and develop a connection to the natural world, access green careers, and thrive in a world increasingly shaped by science, technology and environmental change.”
Key Quotes
“… the Department for Education will launch a public consultation on Friday 12 June on the proposed subject content for a new GCSE in natural history”
“This consultation reflects the Government's ambition for every child and young person to receive a rich, broad and innovative education that prepares them for life and work in a changing world.”
“The natural history GCSE content proposes a substantial, engaging and worthwhile course of study, enabling more young people to benefit from the opportunity to learn about the natural world in more depth at key stage”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗