National curriculum review in England: 10 key recommendations

Proposals include shortening length of GCSE exams, a new diagnostic test in maths and English, and expanding RE

• Curriculum should focus less on exams and more on life skills'

The year-long curriculum and assessment review headed by Prof Becky Francis was asked by the government to look at primary, secondary and aged 16-19 phases of state education in England. It heard more than 7,000 responses from the public, with evidence considered by an expert panel appointed by Francis, leading to the publication of its 197-page report.

Key recommendations include: