The long-awaited Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) has finally landed — a detailed, far-reaching document with implications for every subject in the primary curriculum. For many school leaders, it will take time, coffee and probably a highlighter or two to work through the full report.
To save you that extra workload, this blog summarises what you need to know as a Maestro user — and, most importantly, how Cornerstones will ensure that your curriculum stays fully aligned with any new recommendations.
Alongside this blog, you’ll also find an attachment that:
- summarises each subject’s key recommendations for KS1-KS2
- shows where your existing digital Cornerstones curriculum on Maestro already meets those expectations
- outlines how we will adapt and refine content in Maestro as changes are confirmed
First and most importantly… schools using Maestro are in a very strong position
Much of what CAR recommends — stronger sequencing, clearer foundational knowledge, skills, concepts, purposeful practical work and coherent subject progression — already sits at the heart of the Cornerstones curriculum.
Our subject concept structure, subject-specific sequencing and the Engage–Develop–Innovate–Express pedagogy tied together by a digital platform all reflect the very principles that the review is now highlighting nationally.
So, although the report is substantial, the road ahead for Maestro users is reassuringly manageable.
How Maestro will adapt — and how we will support you
Here is what you can expect from us over the coming months:
1. Full alignment with new recommendations
As the DfE moves from recommendations to confirmed changes, our curriculum team will ensure that:
- all Cornerstones subject programmes of study remain fully compliant
- sequencing, knowledge expectations and conceptual progression continue to meet the highest standards
- any revised subject aims or content are mapped seamlessly into Maestro
You won’t need to do this heavy lifting – we will.
2. Clear updates built directly into Maestro
Where refinements are needed, updates will appear directly in:
- subject overviews
- knowledge sequences
- the progression framework
- project notes and lesson guidance
- knowledge organisers and vocabulary sets
This means your curriculum stays current without you having to rewrite or re-map anything.
3. Expert support from real humans – not automated chatbots
Unlike some providers who offer AI-only support, we continue to invest in an expert team of curriculum advisers who understand the pressures and realities of primary schools.
Schools repeatedly tell us our professional support is invaluable – especially:
- during curriculum redesign
- ahead of Ofsted
- when onboarding new leaders
- during periods of change or growth
As CAR recommendations evolve, your adviser will help you understand precisely what is changing, what is staying the same and how Maestro will reflect those changes.
4. Simple guidance: As the DfE moves from recommendations to confirmed changes
For each subject, we will provide:
- a clear explanation of changes
- how these align with your current Cornerstones curriculum
- whether action is needed at school level
- where Maestro will automatically update for you
In most cases, the only action for schools will be reviewing updates with your adviser.
Attached summary
The attachment accompanying this blog provides concise, senior-leader-friendly summary of the recommendations and what Maestro users already have, helping them feel confidently ahead of the game.
The CAR report is positioned as evolution, not revolution — but I think, for schools, it will feel like a revolution. We must not underestimate the work it entails for schools when the curriculum changes.
I am genuinely pleased to see how closely the report aligns with Cornerstones’ approach: strong sequencing, conceptual clarity and coherence, purposeful practical work and a curriculum rooted in powerful knowledge and skills.
For schools using Maestro you already have a digital curriculum platform, much of the work recommended in the review is already firmly in place. Our focus now is ensuring every update and refinement flows directly into your curriculum, so you can continue to focus on what matters most — high-quality teaching and high-quality learning.
Stick with us because together we can crack these curriculum changes with confidence!
What you should do next:
- Download the attached summary of the recommendations.
- Share with your curriculum leads or SLT.
- Book a session with your Cornerstones adviser if you’d like a walkthrough.
- Check Maestro’s Messages notice board on a regular basis to keep abreast of any updates.
From Melanie Moore, Curriculum Director