VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Schools: Citizenship

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 21 April 2026UIN 126570

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department supports schools in implementing programs teaching children about civic responsibility in a digital age.

Answered by Georgia Gould

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only. All schools are expected to actively promote fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.

The government’s response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review committed to making citizenship statutory at primary and strengthening primary and secondary content, including on democracy and the rule of law. Applied knowledge and skills in media and digital literacy and subject-specific disciplinary skills, including critical thinking and problem solving, will be embedded in the refreshed programmes of study. Pupils will also have opportunities to develop social and emotional attributes such as resilience.

Working closely with the sector, we are working towards a first teaching of the new curriculum from September 2028.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim