Schoolchildren in England to learn about fake news in major curriculum overhaul

In what is being described as the most significant curriculum overhaul in more than a decade, the UK government has announced sweeping reforms to the national curriculum, under which schoolchildren in England will be taught how to identify fake news and understand artificial intelligence (AI). The changes aim to better prepare students for the challenges of a digital and fast-changing world.

Responding to recommendations from a Curriculum and Assessment Review, the Department for Education (DfE) confirmed on Wednesday that the new curriculum would focus on equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed for the next generation.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the reforms, part of the government’s Plan for Change , will ensure schools become “the epicentre of the strongest possible foundations of knowledge and skills to excel in the modern world.”

“From the fundamentals of reading to the modern challenge of spotting fake news, these landmark reforms will help young people step boldly into the future, with the knowledge to achieve and the skills to thrive,” Phillipson said.

It has been over ten years since England’s national curriculum was last revised, and the government says the update is necessary to reflect advances in technology, the changing nature of work, and the impact of misinformation online.

New focus areas

The revamped curriculum will introduce lessons on identifying misinformation and disinformation, teaching even primary school pupils to think critically and challenge unreliable sources. Students will also learn about artificial intelligence, financial literacy—including topics such as mortgages and debt and strengthened reading skills.

In addition, the government plans to introduce a compulsory citizenship and climate education module, a new language qualification, and greater emphasis on outdoor and sporting activities.

“It is essential that every young person finishes their education with the knowledge and skills to move successfully into working life,” said Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce. “Business will welcome curriculum changes that improve employability such as team working, literacy, digital and financial skills.”

Balancing learning and well-being

The review also recommends reducing the total number of exams by 10 per cent, calling the current assessment load “excessive.” The move is expected to ease student stress and give teachers more flexibility to focus on deeper learning and creativity rather than rote preparation.

Education experts believe this reduction could encourage a more balanced approach to learning and foster stronger student-teacher relationships.

Combating the fake news menace

Observers have welcomed the focus on fake news education, calling it a vital step in today’s digital age. Misinformation has become a global menace, influencing public opinion and spreading rapidly through social media. The younger generation, often the most active online, is particularly vulnerable.

Teaching students how to distinguish facts from falsehoods, experts say, will strengthen their critical thinking and media literacy, protecting them from online manipulation.

Looking ahead

The final version of the new curriculum will be published by early 2027, giving schools four terms to prepare before implementation begins in September 2028.

The government hopes that by 2030 and beyond, these reforms will help nurture a future-ready, digitally literate, and socially responsible generation capable of contributing to the UK’s social and economic renewal.