Catalogue description Records of the National Curriculum Council

The National Curriculum Council (NCC) was one of three bodies created under the Education Reform Act 1988 to help in implementing the national curriculum and its assessment arrangements. The others were the Curriculum Council for Wales (CCW) and the Schools Examination and Assessment Council (SEAC) for England and Wales. The National Curriculum Council, together with SEAC and CCW, were wound up by the Education Act 1993.

The central functions of the NCC were to keep all aspects of the curriculum for county and local authority, voluntary, grant-maintained and maintained special schools under review and to advise the Secretary of State on matters concerning the national curriculum. It was also required to assist the Secretary of State in carrying out research projects into curriculum matters and to publish and disseminate reports as requested.

The national curriculum itself was first specifically mentioned early in 1987 and its introduction was made mandatory by the Education Reform Act 1988. Working groups were set up by the Secretary of State to draw up proposals for attainment targets and programmes of study in each foundation subject. The NCC was responsible for ensuring that proper consultation was carried out before these proposals were introduced into schools.