Understanding the 2025 Writing Framework

The Department for Education’s (DfE) 2025 Writing Framework brings a renewed focus to writing standards in English primary education. Designed to align with curriculum expectations and support robust teacher assessment, this revised framework has key implications for school leaders aiming to drive improvements in literacy and raise writing attainment across Key Stages 1 and 2.

In this post, we unpack the core elements of the 2025 writing framework, explore what’s changed and highlight how school leaders can implement it effectively in their settings.

What Is the 2025 Writing Framework?

The Writing Framework 2025 sets out clear criteria for assessing pupils’ writing at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. It provides exemplification, standardisation guidance and teacher assessment expectations. The framework has been updated to ensure more consistency in judgements, better reflect how writing develops over time and emphasise purposeful, high-quality composition.

Key Changes in the 2025 Writing Framework

1. Emphasis on Composition Over Checklists

Unlike earlier versions that leaned heavily on technical accuracy, the 2025 framework puts greater weight on authorial intent, creativity and coherence. While grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) remain important, they are now assessed in balance with the quality of ideas, structure and impact.

What this means for school leaders: CPD and moderation training should now focus not only on technical criteria but also on developing staff confidence in judging the overall effectiveness of writing.

2. Removal of the "Secure Fit" Model

The previous "secure fit" model often led to pupils being judged harshly if they missed one or two criteria. The 2025 framework introduces a "best fit" model, which recognises that writing is a holistic craft. A strong overall performance can meet the expected standard even if a few individual elements are not perfect.

Leadership action: Ensure assessment leads and teachers understand how to apply best fit judgements with consistency and fairness, especially during internal moderation.

3. More Inclusive and Flexible Approach

The updated guidance better accommodates pupils with SEND and those working below age-related expectations. Teachers are encouraged to consider progress and context, including pupils’ starting points, language acquisition and individual learning needs.

For school leaders: This supports inclusive assessment practices and allows you to celebrate pupil progress more meaningfully across your school.

4. Greater Integration of Writing Purpose and Audience

Teachers are now expected to ensure pupils write with clear purpose, audience and form. This means writing tasks should be authentic and varied. This ranges from narrative and explanation to persuasion and argument.

Implication: Schools should review curriculum maps and writing outcomes to ensure a broad and rich range of purposeful writing opportunities across subjects.

5. Standardisation and Exemplification Materials

To support consistency, the DfE has released examples of what good practice looks like, based on the writing framework. These resources are designed to strengthen teacher confidence and accuracy in assessment.

Leadership tip: Embed these into staff meetings or termly moderation sessions to promote shared understanding and raise writing standards across your school.

How School Leaders Can Prepare

Here are five practical steps leaders can take to successfully implement the 2025 writing framework:

1. Audit current writing provision to identify gaps in purpose, genre or audience.

2. Deliver focused CPD on the new best fit model and composition-based assessment.

3. Embed regular moderation cycles within year groups and phases.

4. Review writing curriculum maps to ensure alignment with the new expectations.

5. Champion writing for pleasure alongside writing for assessment as pupils write better when they are engaged and motivated.