Good news! URBrainy is very well covered for all changes suggested in the 2025 KS1 and KS2 Maths curriculum review.

The Government’s review of the National Curriculum has recently been announced and for the Maths curriculum in Key Stages 1 and 2 there is little in the way of significant change; more a slight shift in emphasis.

At Key Stage 1 it is stated that understanding number is a critical element of maths and should be made a priority. It is stated that,

“Without secure foundations in number, pupils are restricted in their ability to reason in everyday contexts.”

Fluency in number bonds and addition and subtraction should be more of a focus and integrated into the teaching of other aspects of maths such as shape and measurement.

The review does not recommend reintroducing statutory tests for Key Stage 1 but does suggest that all schools use the non-statutory tests as a way of showing which children need extra support to master the foundations of number in particular.

Once fundamental concepts have been achieved there should be an emphasis on problem-solving, using these concepts.

To help with this new emphasis on number the review suggests that the Maths curriculum should be re-sequenced, spacing content more evenly, although they do not make clear what this would actually entail.

At Key Stage 2 the priority will be to,

“build competence in multiplicative reasoning and problem-solving.”

Multiplicative reasoning is an understanding that two quantities or amounts can be compared using a multiplier rather than just addition and subtraction. This would suggest a greater emphasis on multiplication, division, ratio, proportion and scaling e.g. scaling up a recipe. The review states,

“it is essential that all pupils benefit from knowledge of multiplication tables, and that fluency is important in mathematical understanding.”

It is recommended that the MTC (Multiplication Tables Check) is retained as it provides an important indicator of multiplicative competence. It does suggest that the test could be made more accessible.

Again, a greater emphasis on reasoning and problem solving should be developed.

We are really pleased with this review as our resources cover all of the recommendations and many of our free resources are especially applicable, including our award winning MTC as well as KS1 and 2 SAT Papers.