Citizenship Curriculum in Primary Schools to Promote Digital, Financial, and Environmental Issues

by PlanMySchoolTrip
published 12 June 2026

2 mins read

Upcoming national curriculum changes will make citizenship education compulsory in primary schools from September 2028. These updates aim to equip children early with critical thinking skills for online safety, financial management, and environmental issues.

Citizenship is not currently mandatory for primary schools. In existing KS1 guidelines, children learn about themselves, their feelings, how to behave well, share, help others, and take responsibility for their actions. They also learn about keeping healthy, staying safe, and respecting others' differences. In KS2, children grow more independent, learn about their communities, about making choices, and understanding how their actions affect others and the world. They explore topics like rules, rights, responsibilities, health, safety, and respecting different cultures, preparing them to be responsible and caring citizens.

An independent report commissioned by the DfE made recommendations for changes to the curriculum. The report found that only 41% of primary headteachers said their school followed the non-statutory guidelines on Citizenship.

The National Curriculum changes due in September 2028 include making citizenship compulsory at primary level. The goal is to ensure all pupils start learning about the hot topics of media and financial literacy, laws, democracy and government. By starting this teaching at primary all students will get the skills required to actively participate in their community. By secondary they will be better able to engage in activities such as volunteering, voting, advocating for positive change, and respecting the rights and responsibilities of others. Active citizens take initiative to contribute to the well-being and development of their community.

Misinformation and disinformation

With many primary school children already negotiating the online world, teaching them key skills earlier, rather than waiting until they are at secondary level, will better equip them for digital challenges as informed citizens. Fake and misleading information is widespread on the internet, highlighting the importance of teaching primary level children how to recognise and critically assess online content. The curriculum changes will help them develop the critical thinking skills needed to challenge false claims and stay safe from online harm.

Financial literacy

Secondary students have compulsory financial education, often under IAG lessons. Under current guidelines for primary, children may be taught the purpose of money, and how to manage, spend and save. The goal of the new curriculum is to also encourage pupils to develop their financial literacy skills by understanding risks, financial concepts, and how to use digital tools to manage money.

Environmental literacy

Although climate education is already part of Science and Geography, teaching about the environment through the lens of Citizenship helps students with critical thinking about social and ethical issues related to climate. Students will be empowered to participate in community and policy actions to address environmental challenges.

When is this happening?

More details are due to be published in Spring 2027, with the Citizenship curriculum changing for teachers from September 2028.