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Scheme of Work Template

Plan a unit lesson by lesson: overview, National Curriculum links, then objectives, activities, resources, assessment and differentiation for each lesson. Type on it, print it or download it as Word.

Type straight onto the page. It saves in this browser only and is never sent anywhere. Don't enter pupils' personal details.

Scheme of work

Subject:
Year group:
Term:
Unit title:
Number of lessons:
Teacher:

Unit overview (intent)

National Curriculum links

LessonLearning objectiveActivitiesResourcesAssessmentDifferentiation

Tip: empty boxes print as lines to write on, so you can also print this blank and fill it in by hand.

What is a scheme of work?

A scheme of work is a plan for a unit or term of lessons in one subject. It sets out the sequence of lessons, each with its learning objective, activities, resources and assessment, so that learning builds step by step and links to the National Curriculum or exam specification.

How to write a scheme of work

  1. Start with the end point. What should pupils know and be able to do by the end of the unit? Write this as the overview (intent).
  2. List the curriculum content from the programme of study or specification.
  3. Sequence the lessons so each builds on the last. Put retrieval of earlier content into later lessons.
  4. Plan assessment points, such as a low-stakes quiz halfway and an end-of-unit task.
  5. Note differentiation and resources so a colleague could teach it.

Zooming out? Use the medium-term and long-term planning templates. Zooming in? Plan individual lessons with the UK lesson plan template.

Questions teachers ask

What is the difference between a scheme of work and a lesson plan?

A scheme of work plans a sequence of lessons across a unit or term; a lesson plan sets out the detail of a single lesson.

Is a scheme of work the same as a medium-term plan?

They overlap. In many primary schools the medium-term plan covers a half term for each subject; in secondary schools "scheme of work" usually means the department's plan for a unit.

How many lessons should a scheme of work have?

As many as the unit needs, often 6 to 12. The template has eight rows; download it as Word to add more.

More UK planning templates

UK planningWALT, WILF, starter, main and plenary, plus EYFS, schemes of work and cover.EYFS planning templateWeekly planning across the seven areas, plus continuous provision.Medium and long-term planningWeek-by-week half-term plan and a year curriculum map.Lesson observation formObservation form linked to the Teachers’ Standards.Cover workClear instructions for a cover lesson, with space for feedback.Unit planningUnit plan, scope and sequence, and pacing guide.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.