History National curriculum

The National Curriculum for History plays a vital role in shaping how young people in the UK understand the past and their place within it. Introduced to ensure coherence, progression and entitlement for all pupils, the History curriculum has evolved in response to changing educational priorities, scholarship and societal needs. From its early emphasis on knowledge acquisition to more recent focuses on historical thinking, diversity and disciplinary skills, the curriculum reflects ongoing debates about what it means to study history in schools.

For teachers, understanding the origins and development of the National Curriculum for History provides valuable context for current expectations, assessment frameworks and pedagogical approaches. It also highlights the balance between prescribed content and professional autonomy, as well as the responsibility of history education in fostering critical enquiry, informed citizenship and a nuanced understanding of the past.