Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 November 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 November 2017. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 November 2017 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Politics: Education

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to add political education to the national curriculum.

Answer: Knowledge about politics is an important part of a broad and balanced education that prepares young people for adult life. Citizenship education is in the statutory national curriculum at key stages 3 and 4. The programmes of study are designed to prepare pupils to play a full and active part in society, and are organised around core knowledge about democracy, government, and how laws are made and upheld. Citizenship education also equips pupils with the knowledge to explore political and social issues, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments. Schools can also teach politics as part of their school curriculum if they choose to do so.

Secondary information