Four systems, not one
"UK curriculum" is not a meaningful phrase. Education is devolved, and the four nations run four different systems with different subject structures, different qualifications and different terminology. Picking the right one matters more here than almost anywhere else.
England teaches the National Curriculum across Key Stages 1 to 4, with GCSEs at 16 and A-levels at 18, regulated by Ofqual. Scotland is the outlier: the Curriculum for Excellence runs from ages 3 to 18 and qualifications are National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, awarded by the SQA — there are no GCSEs in Scotland. Wales introduced the Curriculum for Wales from 2022, organised into six Areas of Learning and Experience rather than discrete subjects. Northern Ireland teaches its own revised curriculum and uses CCEA qualifications alongside English awarding bodies.
What the departments and awarding bodies publish
The statutory curriculum documents for all four nations are free online, as are the subject specifications from every awarding body. For revision, the awarding bodies are the resource that matters: AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC in England and Wales, SQA in Scotland, and CCEA in Northern Ireland all publish past papers, mark schemes and examiners' reports going back years.
Scotland's SQA and Wales's Hwb platform are both unusually open — Hwb in particular provides curriculum-aligned material in both Welsh and English. Beyond the departments, the BBC, the British Library, the National Archives and the Science Museum Group are all publicly funded and publish substantial free educational collections.
Getting the most out of it
Identify your awarding body and specification code before you revise. Two students both "doing GCSE Chemistry" may sit materially different papers depending on whether they are with AQA or OCR, and using the wrong past papers wastes time on content you will not be assessed on.
Then work backwards from the specification: it lists every assessable point. Combined with past papers and mark schemes from the same body, it is a complete free revision system.
Resource listings
England
Assessment
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GCSE Qualifications
General Certificate of Secondary Education qualifications and specifications for students aged 14-16
Qualifications Framework10, 11All Secondary SubjectsCurriculum-aligned -
A Levels
Advanced Level qualifications for students aged 16-18 preparing for higher education
Qualifications Framework12, 13All A-Level SubjectsCurriculum-aligned -
Phonics Screening Check
Statutory phonics screening check for year 1 pupils and reading development resources
Assessment Tool1, 2EnglishReadingPhonicsCurriculum-aligned
Career Education
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Careers Guidance
Information and resources for career guidance and vocational education pathways
Career PortalYears 9–13Career PlanningVocational SkillsCurriculum-aligned
Curriculum
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National Curriculum in England
The official national curriculum for England covering key stages 1-4 to be taught in all local-authority-maintained schools
National CurriculumYears 1–11EnglishMathematicsScienceComputingCurriculum-aligned
Digital Resources
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BBC Bitesize
Free online study support resources covering all subjects and key stages
Educational PlatformYears 1–13Curriculum-aligned
Early Years
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Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Statutory framework for early learning and development for children from birth to 5 years
Early Years FrameworkEYFSCommunication and LanguagePersonal, Social and Emotional DevelopmentPhysical DevelopmentLiteracyCurriculum-aligned
General
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GOV.UK - Department for Education
The UK government's official education department responsible for children's services, schools, higher education and skills policy
Government DepartmentEYFS–13Curriculum-aligned
Primary Education
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Primary National Curriculum
National curriculum programmes of study for primary education key stages 1 and 2
Curriculum FrameworkYears 1–6EnglishMathematicsScienceComputingCurriculum-aligned
Quality Assurance
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Ofsted - School Inspection
Office for Standards in Education providing school inspection reports and educational guidance
Inspection ServiceEYFS–13Curriculum-aligned
Religious Education
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Religious Education
Guidance and resources for religious education in schools
Subject GuidanceYears 1–11Religious EducationEthicsCurriculum-aligned
Secondary Education
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Secondary National Curriculum
National curriculum programmes of study and attainment targets for key stages 3 and 4
Curriculum FrameworkYears 7–11EnglishMathematicsScienceComputingCurriculum-aligned
Special Education
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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Support and guidance for children with special educational needs and disabilities
Support ServicesEYFS–13Support ServicesCurriculum-aligned
Teacher Resources
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Get Into Teaching
Official government service for teacher recruitment and training information
Teacher PortalAll levelsTeacher TrainingProfessional DevelopmentCurriculum-aligned
Teacher Training
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School Direct
School-centered initial teacher training programme information and resources
Training ProgrammeAll levelsTeacher TrainingProfessional DevelopmentCurriculum-aligned
Northern Ireland
Assessment
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System Level Checks
Standardized literacy and numeracy assessments for sample pupils in Years 4, 7 and 10
System AssessmentYear 4, Year 7, Year 10LiteracyNumeracyCurriculum-aligned
Cross-Curricular Skills
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Cross-Curricular Skills
Three essential skills embedded across all curriculum areas: Communication, Using Mathematics, and Using ICT
Skills FrameworkYear 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10CommunicationUsing MathematicsUsing ICTCurriculum-aligned
Curriculum
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Northern Ireland Curriculum
Comprehensive curriculum covering all 12 years of compulsory education, introduced in 2007, focusing on learning process and learners' needs
National CurriculumPre-school, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12, Year 13, Year 14All Areas of LearningCurriculum-aligned
Foundation Stage
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Foundation Stage (Years 1-2)
Early years curriculum for primary school Years 1 and 2, building on pre-school experiences through play-based learning
Early Years FrameworkYear 1, Year 2Language and LiteracyMathematics and NumeracyThe ArtsThe World Around UsCurriculum-aligned
Functional Skills
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Essential Skills Qualifications
Functional skills qualifications in Communication, Application of Number, and ICT for post-16 learners
Skills QualificationsYear 12, Year 13, Year 14CommunicationApplication of NumberInformation TechnologyCurriculum-aligned
General
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Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA)
Northern Ireland's awarding body responsible for curriculum, examinations, assessment and qualifications development
Awarding BodyPre-school, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12, Year 13, Year 14Curriculum-aligned
Irish Language Education
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Irish-medium Education
Educational provision delivered through the Irish language including curriculum adaptations and resources
Language Immersion ProgrammePre-school, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12, Year 13, Year 14Irish LanguageIrish with Media EducationAll Subjects through IrishCurriculum-aligned
Lower Secondary
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Key Stage 3 (Years 8-10)
Lower secondary curriculum emphasizing Areas of Learning and Cross-Curricular Skills development
Lower Secondary FrameworkYear 8, Year 9, Year 10Language and LiteracyModern LanguagesMathematics and NumeracyScience and TechnologyCurriculum-aligned
Personal Development
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Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities
Framework developing critical and creative thinking, self-management, working with others, and managing information
Capabilities FrameworkYear 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10Thinking SkillsPersonal CapabilitiesProblem SolvingCurriculum-aligned
Primary Education
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Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum
Primary curriculum document setting out requirements for Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
Primary CurriculumYear 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7Language and LiteracyMathematics and NumeracyThe World Around UsThe ArtsCurriculum-aligned
Qualifications
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GCSE Qualifications Northern Ireland
GCSE qualifications developed by CCEA including reformed specifications and Double Award options
Qualifications FrameworkYear 11, Year 12All GCSE SubjectsCurriculum-aligned -
GCE A Level and AS Level
Advanced level qualifications for post-16 education including reformed syllabi and assessment methods
Advanced QualificationsYear 13, Year 14All A Level SubjectsCurriculum-aligned
Religious Education
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Religious Education
Compulsory religious education promoting understanding of personal beliefs and diverse religious traditions
Subject CurriculumYear 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10Religious EducationSpiritual DevelopmentMoral EducationCurriculum-aligned
Special Education
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Special Educational Needs Support
Curriculum adaptations and support for learners with diverse educational needs and abilities
Support FrameworkPre-school, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12, Year 13, Year 14Individual SupportInclusive EducationCurriculum-aligned
Sustainability Education
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Education for Sustainable Development
Cross-curricular approach addressing global sustainability issues and environmental education
Cross-curricular InitiativeYear 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12Environmental EducationGlobal CitizenshipSustainable DevelopmentCurriculum-aligned
Scotland
Curriculum
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Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)
Scotland's national 3-18 curriculum implemented in 2010, designed to help children and young people gain knowledge, skills and attributes for 21st century life
National CurriculumNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6All Curriculum AreasCurriculum-aligned
Curriculum Areas
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Eight Curriculum Areas
Comprehensive curriculum areas: Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, Technologies, Health and Wellbeing, Expressive Arts, and Religious/Moral Education
Curriculum StructureNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6LanguagesMathematicsSciencesSocial StudiesCurriculum-aligned
Curriculum Development
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Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC)
Systematic review of Scottish curriculum launched in 2024 to ensure it remains up-to-date and relevant, with mathematics/numeracy prioritized first and implementation from August 2026
Reform InitiativeNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6All Curriculum AreasCurriculum-aligned
Educational Policy
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National Improvement Framework 2025
Strategic framework for educational improvement focusing on excellence and equity, with seven key outcomes including inclusive curriculum and assessment
Improvement FrameworkNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6Curriculum-aligned
General
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Education Scotland
Scottish Government executive agency responsible for supporting quality and improvement in Scottish education, refocused on curriculum design, delivery and improvement
Education AuthorityNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6Curriculum-aligned
General Education
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Broad General Education (BGE)
Education from early years through S3 providing broad foundation across all curriculum areas before moving to Senior Phase
Educational PhaseNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3All Curriculum AreasCurriculum-aligned
Inclusive Education
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LGBTI Inclusive Education
World-first embedded LGBTI inclusive education across all state schools, covering LGBTI terminology, tackling prejudice, and promoting equality awareness
Inclusion ProgrammeNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6LGBTI EducationEqualityAnti-bullyingCurriculum-aligned
Language Education
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Gaelic Education
Comprehensive Gaelic medium education provision supporting Scotland's indigenous language and culture across all educational levels
Language ProgrammeNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6Gaelic LanguageGaelic CultureGaelic HistoryCurriculum-aligned
Professional Development
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Centre for Teaching Excellence
New center hosted by University of Glasgow launching 2025/26, providing teachers access to latest research and resources on teaching practices
Professional Development CenterAll levelsTeaching PracticeEducational ResearchCurriculum-aligned
Qualifications
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Qualifications Scotland
New qualifications body replacing Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), formally established June 2025 with operations beginning autumn 2025, focused on collaborative and learner-centered approach
Qualifications AuthorityS4, S5, S6All Qualification SubjectsCurriculum-aligned
STEM Education
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STEM Education Enhancement
Enhanced STEM education provision to improve learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, supporting knowledge and skills for economic growth
STEM InitiativeNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6ScienceTechnologyEngineeringMathematicsCurriculum-aligned
Senior Phase
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Senior Phase (S4-S6)
Upper secondary education from S4-S6 focusing on qualifications, skills development and preparation for post-school destinations with reduced reliance on high-stakes exams planned
Educational PhaseS4, S5, S6All Qualification SubjectsCurriculum-aligned
Skills Framework
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Four Capacities Framework
Core framework developing learners as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors
Capacity FrameworkNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6Successful LearnersConfident IndividualsResponsible CitizensEffective ContributorsCurriculum-aligned
Special Education
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Additional Support Needs (ASN)
Comprehensive support framework for learners with additional support needs, promoting inclusive education and individual achievement
Support FrameworkNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6Support ServicesCurriculum-aligned
Sustainability Education
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Learning for Sustainability
Comprehensive approach to sustainability education shaping school culture, curriculum and campus connections, implementing Vision 2030+ recommendations
Cross-curricular ProgrammeNursery, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6Environmental EducationSustainabilityGlobal CitizenshipCurriculum-aligned
Wales
Assessment
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Assessment Arrangements
Assessment intrinsic to curriculum design with focus on progression and personalised assessments supporting learner development rather than traditional testing
Assessment FrameworkNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11All Areas of LearningCurriculum-aligned
Core Skills
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Literacy and Numeracy Framework Update
Framework being reviewed to support teaching profession in developing literacy and numeracy skills across curriculum, with £20 million investment over 3 years and enhanced phonics guidance
Skills FrameworkNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11LiteracyNumeracyPhonicsCurriculum-aligned
Curriculum
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Curriculum for Wales Framework
Transformative statutory guidance for ages 3-16 implemented across all maintained schools, based on four purposes and six areas of learning and experience, updated annually
National CurriculumNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11All Areas of LearningCurriculum-aligned
Curriculum Areas
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Six Areas of Learning and Experience
Comprehensive curriculum structure: Languages Literacy and Communication, Mathematics and Numeracy, Science and Technology, Humanities, Health and Well-being, Expressive Arts
Curriculum StructureNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11Languages Literacy and CommunicationMathematics and NumeracyScience and TechnologyHumanitiesCurriculum-aligned
Educational Vision
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Four Purposes of Education
Shared vision for every child and young person to become ambitious capable learners, enterprising creative contributors, ethical informed citizens, and healthy confident individuals
Vision FrameworkNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11Ambitious Capable LearnersEnterprising Creative ContributorsEthical Informed CitizensHealthy Confident IndividualsCurriculum-aligned
General
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Hwb - Digital Learning Platform for Wales
Wales' national digital learning platform hosting the Curriculum for Wales guidance, resources and supporting materials for all educational settings
Digital PlatformNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11Curriculum-aligned
Language Education
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Welsh Language Education
Comprehensive Welsh language provision including Welsh-medium education, Cymraeg 2050 strategy, and bilingual education supporting Wales' target of one million Welsh speakers
Language ProgrammeNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11Welsh LanguageWelsh LiteratureWelsh CultureCurriculum-aligned
Professional Development
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National Network for Curriculum Implementation
Open platform bringing together teaching professionals, experts, stakeholders and policymakers to support curriculum implementation and address barriers and opportunities
Professional NetworkAll levelsCurriculum-aligned -
Professional Learning and Leadership Education Wales Body
New national body launching September 2025 to unify professional learning delivery, taking on responsibilities from NAEL and regional consortia with focus on Vision and Leadership, Curriculum and Teaching, and Wellbeing and Inclusion
Professional BodyAll levelsTeaching PracticeLeadershipProfessional LearningCurriculum-aligned
Qualifications
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Made-for-Wales Qualifications
New qualifications for 14-16 year olds co-constructed by Qualifications Wales, aligned with Curriculum for Wales, to be taught from 2025 with first awards in 2027
Qualifications FrameworkYear 10, Year 11All Qualification SubjectsCurriculum-aligned
Quality Improvement
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Education Improvement Team
Newly established team working directly with every local authority to ensure system-wide priorities including literacy, numeracy, attendance and learner wellbeing
Improvement TeamNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11Curriculum-aligned
School Support
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Curriculum Design Programme
Support programme engaging over 200 schools in 2025, providing essential planning tools on Hwb and reporting greater clarity and increased confidence in curriculum approach
Support ProgrammeNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11All Areas of LearningCurriculum-aligned
Special Education
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Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Framework
Comprehensive support framework for learners with additional learning needs, integrated with curriculum design and supporting inclusive education approaches
Support FrameworkNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11All Areas of LearningSupport ServicesCurriculum-aligned
Sustainability
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Well-being of Future Generations Integration
Education system aligned with Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, promoting sustainable development and long-term thinking in curriculum design
Legislative FrameworkNursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11Sustainable DevelopmentFuture GenerationsWell-beingCurriculum-aligned
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Other countries
United States
The United States has no national curriculum — standards and materials are set state by state, so the state page is the one that matters.
Canada
Canada has no federal education department at all — each province and territory runs its own curriculum, in English, French or both.
Australia
Australia teaches a single national curriculum that each state and territory adapts, so useful material sits at both the federal and state level.
New Zealand
New Zealand centralises its curriculum and qualifications nationally, so nearly all official material comes from two agencies.
Ireland
Ireland runs a centralised national curriculum with two high-stakes state examinations and an unusual optional transition year.
Chile
Chile pairs a national curriculum with unusually well-developed state-run open resource platforms.