For England’s pupils, Tories pledge to halt screen-based school exams and cut coursework if returned to power
Plans for exams and screens
The Conservatives say they would stop the introduction of screen-based exams and cut coursework, in part to limit schoolchildren’s use of artificial intelligence. The proposals would apply in England if the party returned to power.
Concerns over children’s health
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott pointed to clinicians’ warnings that excessive screen time could harm children’s health. She said school practices should be safe for children and raise standards.
More than 150 clinicians warned last month that children’s time on screens at school could affect their physical and developmental health. The Conservatives said their plans draw on work by the Health Professionals for Safer Screens campaign group.
Textbooks and existing rules
The party said £900m currently spent by the government on educational technology would be redirected, including to establish a £250m fund for new textbooks. It said schools should decide how to use their funding in pupils’ best interests.
A smartphone ban in schools in England came into force in June, making schools and trusts legally responsible for keeping schools phone-free throughout the day. A UK ban on under-16s using major social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, is due to come into force in March.
Key points
- The Conservatives propose stopping screen-based exams and cutting coursework in England if they return to power.
- Their plan would cap secondary pupils’ screen time at two hours daily and keep primary school screen use minimal.
- The party proposes redirecting £900m in educational technology spending and creating a £250m textbook fund.
- Most UK school exams are currently pen and paper based.