Preparing Students for Real-World Success: CET’s Response to the Francis Curriculum Review

At the Commercial Education Trust (CET), we believe that preparing students for life after school requires more than traditional academics. In a rapidly evolving world, young people need Commercial Ability—the practical skills, attitudes, and behaviours that employers value, and that empower individuals to succeed in the workplace. This belief drives our support for the Independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, which offers an unprecedented opportunity to rethink what education should deliver in the 21st century.

Our vision is an education system that not only builds academic knowledge but also prepares young people to thrive professionally, socially, and economically. This mission has fuelled our work to date, with over £3.3 million in grants invested in initiatives that develop essential skills like problem-solving, resilience, teamwork, and financial literacy. We need a curriculum that incorporates these real-world skills as foundational elements, equipping all students for lifelong success.

While the review makes strides in prioritising core subjects and inclusivity, we see the potential to widen its scope. In its current form, the review risks overlooking vital components of employability and commercial awareness, which are essential in today’s competitive landscape. Employers value academic knowledge but increasingly expect graduates to possess communication, adaptability, and entrepreneurial skills. A curriculum that nurtures these attributes will produce graduates who can make meaningful contributions to society and the economy.

One challenge we face is that traditional exam-based assessments do not reflect real workplace evaluations. Employers favour continuous assessments, subjective evaluations, and project-based accomplishments over exams. By diversifying assessment methods to include project-based learning, portfolios, and continuous assessment, we can better mirror the demands of the workplace and give students the chance to demonstrate skills that standardised exams don’t capture. Many higher education institutions have already adopted this broader approach, and our schools should follow suit.

Vocational routes like T-levels offer promising pathways, but employer engagement remains limited. These qualifications need time to gain traction, and meanwhile, students should be exposed to alternative skill-building opportunities, such as internships, hands-on learning, and work placements. Furthermore, work placements are often inaccessible for disadvantaged students who lack the networks or resources to secure these valuable experiences. By ensuring equal access to these opportunities, we can close the gap in preparedness between privileged and less advantaged students.

Finally, to build an inclusive curriculum, we must address barriers beyond socioeconomic factors. Students with SEND need practical learning options tailored to their strengths, while gender biases in career aspirations can discourage young women from pursuing business or entrepreneurial tracks. Schools must actively counter these trends by promoting business and commercial skills as essential for all students, regardless of background or gender.

CET remains committed to supporting the Independent Curriculum and Assessment Review to create a curriculum that values both academic knowledge and practical ability. We believe an impactful education equips students for life beyond the classroom—one that prepares them to adapt, contribute, and succeed. By embedding Commercial Ability within core subjects and offering flexible, real-world assessments, we can cultivate a generation that is not only ready for work but ready to shape the future.

Together, let’s reimagine education to empower every young person to thrive in a dynamic world.