• Curriculum Review • Oracy
Oracy, the ability to speak, listen and communicate well, is set to get a much bigger role in England’s schools. This guide explains what the Curriculum and Assessment Review recommended, what the government has agreed to do and when the changes are due to reach classrooms.
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The Quick Answer
- The Curriculum and Assessment Review recommended a new oracy framework for schools.
- The government has agreed to create one for primary teachers, to help pupils become confident, fluent speakers by the end of Key Stage 2.
- Speaking and listening will be made more prominent in the revised English and drama programmes of study.
- The revised national curriculum is due to be published in 2027 for first teaching from September 2028.
What Is Oracy?
The review describes oracy as speaking, listening and communication. In practice, that includes explaining ideas clearly, listening to others and taking part in discussion. The government describes communicating well as crucial for life and work.
What the Review Found
The review found that although spoken language is already part of the national curriculum, it is not always reflected in classroom practice. Teaching was described as inconsistent and there was little guidance on how speaking skills should progress through primary and secondary school. The review drew on the Oracy Education Commission’s 2024 report, We Need to Talk.
What the Review Recommended
- an oracy framework to support good practice, alongside the existing frameworks for reading and writing
- more prominent speaking and listening requirements in the English curriculum, including a bigger role for drama
- greater specificity on oracy in citizenship, which it recommended adding to the primary national curriculum
What the Government Has Agreed
In its response, published in November 2025, the government said it welcomed the review’s focus on oracy. It has committed to:
- revising the English and drama programmes of study to show how speaking and listening should be used
- creating a new oracy framework to support primary teachers, so pupils become confident, fluent speakers by the end of Key Stage 2
- providing guidance on how teachers can assess and support oracy as part of everyday teaching
- considering the role of non-statutory assessment for oracy
- professional development to help schools put the framework into practice
- a combined oracy, reading and writing framework for secondary schools
Please note: there is no plan for a new statutory oracy test. The government has said it will consider the role of non-statutory assessment as the framework is developed.
When Will It Change?
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| November 2025 | Review final report and government response published |
| Spring 2027 | Revised national curriculum due to be published |
| September 2028 | First teaching of the new national curriculum |
The government has said schools will have four terms to prepare before the new curriculum starts.
What Schools Can Do Now
- Review where speaking and listening already appear in your English and drama teaching.
- Plan regular, structured talk in lessons, such as explaining reasoning in maths or debating in history.
- Agree how pupils’ speaking will build from Year 1 to Year 6 so expectations are clear across the school.
- Watch for the new oracy framework and the revised English programme of study, due in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oracy part of the national curriculum?
Spoken language is already part of the national curriculum. The revised curriculum, due for first teaching in September 2028, will make speaking and listening more prominent.
Will there be an oracy test?
The government has not announced a statutory oracy test. It will consider the role of non-statutory assessment as it develops the oracy framework.
What is the oracy framework?
A new framework for primary schools to help teachers develop pupils’ speaking and listening, alongside the existing reading and writing frameworks.
When does the new curriculum start?
First teaching is due from September 2028, with the final curriculum due to be published in spring 2027.
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Sources: Department for Education, Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report and Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report: government response.
