KS3 The Ambitious Years: Why Years 7-9 matter more than we think

by Mary Myatt

In The Ambitious Years , Mary Myatt sets out a clear and practical approach to curriculum and teaching in Years 7–9.

Drawing on research, classroom practice and years of working with schools and trusts, this book challenges the idea that KS3 is a holding stage and shows how it can become the most powerful phase in a pupil’s education.

Inside, you’ll KS3 has been underpowered, and the consequences for KS4What strong KS3 looks like in practiceHow to design a curriculum built on depth, not coverageThe role of reading, vocabulary and knowledge in securing understandingPractical steps for leaders and teachers to implement change
This is not a book of quick fixes.

It is a call for clarity, coherence and ambition, for every pupil.

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate Mary writing this book and having high expectations of KS3. I like 'high challenge, low threat', and agree with her insights on reading in the classroom.
I fundamentally disagree with her stance on 'disciplinary thinking' as an amibiton driver, and think her idea of 'creation' is too abstract. Some areas seem more idealistic than realistic--like saying one way to bridge the gap between primary to secondary school is to 'use examples that will be new to all pupils, regardless of primary experience'. This seems to fundamentally misunderstand that pupils need to KNOW things before they can DO anything with that knowledge.
This book was far more progressive than I thought it would be. Glad to have read it and reflected on my own experience and stance.